JLIBRARY OF CONGRESS.? 



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! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



FIVE MO^STTHS 



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EI 




I L e B 1 : 



OR 



NOTES FROM THE 



DIARY OF A BULL RLT PRLSOXER. 



J^T B,ICTT-M-OI>rJ3- 



*A etdel '« acung yoa takin* sotr^. 

An', £utb. be H prent it.' 



BY CORPORAL W. H. DCBRRELL, 

Color Gnard, Co. E., 27th nofrimeiir, >'. \. S. V. 



■ROCHESTER. N. Y.: 



?t% 



?cfi^ T>U«r.TSHi:D BV Ar>AMS & DABNKY 

, ^>^ 1862. 



B. DAP . r.CTHJBlt, 



OLD ESTABLISHED 

No, 1 Arcade Hall, Ro<>hc<iiter, I¥. Y., 

BUELL & BREWSTER, Agents, 

Representing an Aggregate Cash Capital and Surplus of 

$9,500,000. 

After a successful business experience with the Rochester public of 
more than a quarter of a century, it is still ready to secure its patrons 
against Loss and Damage by Fire on real and personal property, and 
against Marine Disasters on the Canals, Rivers and Lakes, in any of the 
following Companies, viz : 

LIVERPOOL & LONDON LIFE & FIRE INSURANCE CO. 

3IERCANTILE MUTUAL INSURANCE CO., of New York. 

ATLANTIC INSURANCE CO., of New York. 

NEW AMSTERDAM INSURANCE CO., of New York. 

LENOX INSURANCE CO., of New York. 

WASHINGTON INSURANCE CO.. of New York. 

NORWICH INSURANCE CO.. of Norwich, Conn. 

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS INSURANCE CO., of Pittsfield. 

HOME INSURANCE CO., of New Haven, Conn. 

HOPE INSURANCE CO., of Providence, R. I. 

For Py'omptness, Eqnity and Liberality in the adjustment of losses, 
the above Companies stand unrivalled; and 2mrticipation in profits are 
granted by some of them, and as liberal rates are offered by all as by 
any solvent companies. We are also the Agents of the 

HOME LIFE INSURANCE CO., of Brooklyn, N. Y., 

(of which our former townsman, Walter S. Griffith, Esq., is President,) 
which, having an ample guarantee ^capital, otiers the most favorable 
terms and strongest inducements to the husband and father to place his 
family beyond the reach of want at his decease. 

H. P. BREWSTER, E. N. BUELL. 



GRAND ALL & BRO., 

No. 2S Buffalo Street, Rochester, IV. ¥., 

DEALERS IN 

DRUGS, MEDICINES, CHEMICALS, 

FAMGY AN]© T@BLET ABTBeLlS, 
7x*i;LSsoSy "X^z'-ULSses! ^x'TXSises! 

AND SHOULDER BRACES. 

•Crandall & Bro. give particular attention to the TRUSS De- 



partment. Twelve years experience in treating HERNIA, aside from 
the Druggist trade, gives them a knowledge in the application . of : 
TRUSSES not excelled by any of the profession-. 




^Pll^!ili|||ii||i| 



FI'^E MOI^THS 



IN 



EEBELDOM 



OR 



NOTES FROM THE 



DIARY OF A BULL RU^ PRISONER, 



JLT laion^v^oisrD. 



X 



BY CORPORAL W. H. MERRELL, 

€oIor Guard, Co. £., 27tli Regiment, N. T. S. V, 



KOCHESTEK, N. T.: 

PUBLISHED BY ADAMS & PABNEY. 

1862. 



jCntcred according to Act of Congress, in the year ISfi?, 

Br WILLIAM W. BLOSS, 

I;i t".i* Clerk's Office of tlie District Court for tho Northern District of New York. 






C. D. TRACY & CO., Printers, Roclieater, N, Y. J. LENNOX, Stereotyper. 



INTRODUOTORT. 



Thb greater portion of the following narrative originally appeared 
in the columns of the Eochkstkr Evening Express, in a series of 
twelve numbers. It was written at the request of the editors of that 
journal, of which Corporal Merrell had been a regular correspondent 
from the date of his enlistment till his release from Prison No. 1, in 
Kichmond — comprising a period of nine months. 

This narrative being the only full, consecutive and authentic account 
of prison life in Kichmond, was widely copied by the Northern press, 
and eagerly sought by the public. During the progress of its original 
publication numerous requests were made for its reproduction in an 
enlarged and completed form, and Corporal M. being required to rejoin 
his regiment, was compelled to confide the work to the care and direc- 
tion of a friend, by whom it is now presented in a form convenient for 
preservation and reference. 

The incidents embodied in the narrative have at least the merit of 
novelty, few, if any of them, having been previously published ; and 
it may be observed that most of them have been fully substantiated by 
the voluntary testimony of several of the fellow prisoners of Corporal 
Merrell, recently released. Indeed, the truth of one incident, of a 
peculiarly "romantic" eharacter — and so much so as to have ex- 
cited the incredulity of some readers — has been publicly endorsed in a 
letter over the signature of a brother of the prisoner to whom it per- 
sonally relates. 

The engraving of the Kichmond "Prison No. 1," "Hospital No. 2," 
and the "Confederate Guard Quarters," which appears on a preceding 
page, is from a drawing by Corporal Merrell, and faithfully represents 
the Tobacco Warehouse in which the Union Oificers, Civilians and 
many of the Privates were confined — (vide chap, v, p. 25.) 
l\, _j,s gratifying to know that the Groverntnent bus finally inaugurated 



IT INTRODUCTORY. 

a system of "exchange" with the rebels. It, however, came too late 
to save or benefit many a patriotic, but unfortunate prisoner, who fell 
a victim to the neglect and cruelty of his rebel keepers. The fortitude 
exhibited by the captives under these unprecedented trials and priva- 
tions, demonstrated a stern and unflinching loyalty, which is alike 
creditable to themselves and to the cause and the people for whom they 
have Buflfered. Their faith in the Union is still unshaken ; their devo- 
tion to the "Stars and Stripes " is as pure and stedfast as ever, and no 
better evidence of this could be given than the fact that, generally, 
they have not only declined to accept a discharge from the service, 
but manifest a joyful alacrity in rejoining their comrades in arms, to 
enrol themselves under the now advancing and conquering banners 

of the Eepublic. 
EocHESTEB, Feb. 1862. W. W. B. 



FIVE MONTHS II REBELDOM; 



OK 



NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF A BULL RUN PRISONER. 



CHAPTER I. 



In compliance with the request of friends in Rochester, and in 
pursuance of a resolution previously formed, I propose to pub- 
lish a few reminiscences of my involuntary sojourn in the "Old 
Dominion." 

The events which I am to narrate are of so recent occurrence, 
that a retentive memory would suffice to recall them with all due 
exactness and circumstantiality; but were it otherwise, I have 
only to turn to a little pocket diary, which has been a faithful and 
indelible reflector of all important occurrences, as they transpired, 
during a five months' imprisonment in the Rebel Capital. 

In presenting this narrative, I claim for it nothing but truth- 
fulness — "a plain, unvarnished tale," wherein I shall 
"Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice;" 
and may safely appeal to my late prison associates for the confir- 
mation of any statement that is likely to be called in question. 

With a view to form a connected narrative, I shall relate events 
in the order in which they transpired, commencing with my per- 
sonal observations at the battle of Bull Run ; yet, as it is no part 
of my design to describe that memorable engagement, I shall 
wholly confine myself to facts and incidents relating to my own 
regiment, the 27th N. Y. S. V. This regiment was organized at 
the Elmira Rendezvous in the month of May, and was ordered to 
Washington on the 10th of July. It consisted of three compa- 
nies from Binghamton, one from Rochester, one from Albion, 
one from Lyons, one from Lima, one from Angelica, one from 
White Plains, and one from Mt. Morris. The field officers were 
Col. H. W. Slocum of Syracuse, Lt. Col. J. J. Chambers of 
White Plains, and Maj. J. J. Bartlett of Binghamton. The 
regiment had the reputation of being one of the best officered in 
the service, and notwithstanding that it was newly recruited and 
but partially inured to the hardships of camp life, it was believed 
to be as efi'ectuaUy disciplined as any volunteer corps in the army 
of the Potomac. 



FIVE MONTHS IN KEBELDOM. 



The 27th did not participate in the action of Thursday the 18th 
of July, but in that of the Sunday following their mettle was fully 
tested, and I believe that no impartial eye-witness of the battle 
of Bull Run will maintain that any regiment, whether regular or 
volunteer, exhibited a greater degree of gallantry on the field, 
manceuvered with better regularity or precision, were more ex- 
posed to the enemy's fire, or suffered more severely irom. its effects, 
than the one which had been facetiously christened the " Mutual 
Admiration Society" of Elmira. Notwithstanding the unaccus- 
tomed fatigues of an early and protracted march on Sunday morn- 
ing, the feeling of the troops was animated, and they literally 
went on their way rejoicing. The enemy seemed hastily to 
abandon every position as we advanced, and the fact that the pro- 
gress of the Union army from Washington had been marked only 
by a succession of light skirmishes, the less reflecting felt assur- 
ed that we should not encounter a sufiicient resistance on the way 
to Manassas, or even to Richmond, to furnish an appetite for ra- 
tions. Yet how sadly diff"erent was the result. 

Grlancing back upon the interminable line of the Grand Array, 
as its several columns crept gradually toward Centerville — the 
sunlight flashing upon the serried bayonets, the regimental 
banners fluttering in the morning breeze, and the huge masses 
moving steadily, noiselessly and with the beautiful regularity of a 
street parade — the view was grand and imposing in the extreme, 
and though momentary, seemed worth the sight-seeing experien- 
ces of an entire life. Rut the eventful scenes were to come, and 
the predictions of those who assumed that the enemy were disposed 
to let us ''onward to Richmond" without contesting our ability 
to force a passage, were speedily silenced by the sound of heavy 
artillery from the batteries to which we had been lured. There 
was no longer doubting the fact that we were approaching the 
field of battle. The roar of cannon was succeeded by the roll 
of musketry, which at every step became more and more audible, 
and it was easy to perceive that though not with us, yet else- 
where the work of carnage and of death had already commenced 
in earnest. 

As I before intimated, I shall attempt no general description 
of the engagement, but rather confine myself in this connection 
to a narrative of events, as they transpired, in my immediate 
vicinity, and within the scope of my own observation. 

It was my good fortune to be selected as one of the color- 
guard of the 27th. Soon after entering the field, we saw at a 
distance what appeared to be our National Flag, but which was in 
reality that of the enemy. While we were still in doubt, but ad- 
vancing. Adjutant Jenkins rode forward, with the remark that he 
would soon determine whether they were friends or foes. He 



OUR FIRST ADVANCE. 7 

placed his havelock on the point of his sword, which he held aloft 
as a flag of truce, but as he approached them he was greeted with 
a volley of musketry. Unharmed, however, he rode quickly back 
to his regiment, exclaiming, with considerable emphasis, "Give 

'em , boys." The 27th responded by opening their hottest^!) 

fire, and the enemy scattered. We subsequently learned that 
they were the 27th Virginia volunteers. 

We continued to advance till confronted by the 8th (xeorgia, 
who stood their ground manfully for a time, loading and firing 
with great rapidity. They could not, however, withstand the 
regular and accurate discharges of the 27th, and we finally drove 
them back to a considerable distance, where they were reinforced. 
We were then in turn repulsed, and took refuge under a hill, 
where we remained until another advance was ordered. 

[It was while resting here that one of my comrades, William 
Hanlon, of Rochester, company E, was most severely wounded. 
He was struck in the right leg by a cannon ball, and was thought 
to be killed outright. He survived, however, a cripple, to be- 
come a prisoner at Richmond, and was released and sent home on 
the 6th of October.] 

Soon after this event Col. Slocum, our gallant commander, was 
ordered to charge a battery stationed on a knoll at our left, and 
was fearlessly leading on his regiment, in the midst of a tremen- 
dous fire, when he fell, severely wounded, and was immediately 
taken from the field. This occurrence was a severe blow to the 
regiment, who regarded their brave commander with a feeling of 
boundless afifection. Happily he was spared to receive the ap- 
pointment of Brigadier General, and the 27th is still under his 
charge. 

The first member of the color-guard who was "struck" was 
Corporal Fairchild. The regiment had for a moment halted, when 
the Corporal staggered back, crying, "0, boys, I am struck!" 
Placing his hand upon his breast, with the expectation, as he af- 
terwards said, of finding it "covered with blood," he accident- 
ally felt the ball (a grapeshot) in his shirt pocket! He immedi- 
ately pulled it out, exclaiming, "Thank God, I am safe !" It was 
a spent ball. The Corporal survived the battle to become a pris- 
oner at Richmond. 

In the meantime the action had become fierce and sanguinary, 
and every soldier in the ranks realized that his regiment was 
quite as severely "exposed" as the most ardent-minded and val- 
orous could desire. Our numbers were greatly diminished, and 
though our discharges were rapid, they had become irregular, 
and the men loaded and fired promiscuously. An incident may 
be related in this connection of rather a novel character. Cor- 
poral S n, of Rochester, a young man, who, since his en- 



8 FIVE MONTHS IN KEBELDOM. 

listment, had been somewhat distinguished among his comrades 
for a religious zeal, fought manfully and with the "full assurance 
of faith." With every load of his musket he uttered an audible 
prayer to this effect: "• 0, Lord, send this bullet to the heart of a 
rebel, and spare my life!" A Manxman, who stood beside him, 
and who was quite as energetically engaged in the " dischai-ge" 
of duty, censoriously retorted: "Hoot, mon — shoot more and 
pray less!" Shooting was evidently the most pressing business 
in hand, but our Manxman was probably not aware that a Yankee 
seldom attempts to do one thing at a time, and that it was quite 
proper to put two irons in the fire when the conflagration was so 
general and so extensive. 

The 27th Regiment continued to march unflinchingly forward, 
literally amid a storm of " leaden rain and iron hail." Indeed, it 
seemed as though we were confronting an avalanche of bullets. 
Many were mowed down. I think that but one of our line ofEcers 
then deserted his post of duty, and a few days since I met him in 
the streets of Rochester, wearing the uniform of a private. To 
my inquiries upon this subject, he admitted that he had been cash- 
iered in consequence of his behavior on that occasion, and that he 
afterward returned home. "But," said he, "I could not help it; 
I ran despite of myself, for we were marching into the jaws of 
death. I am not a coward, and I mean to prove it. Therefore 
I have enlisted as a private soldier, and if I ever participate in 
another battle, I mean to stand my ground !" 

In less than half an hour after the fall of General Slocum, the 
ranks of the color-guard were reduced from nine to two. The 
colors were large and weighty, and Sergeant Freeman having be- 
come quite exhausted, and myself too much so to relieve him. 
Major (now Colonel) Bartlett, who perceived the situation of af- 
fairs, came to our assistance. Riding along the line, and waving 
the colors above his head, he shouted, " Boys, will you fight for 
this?" The response was general and enthusiastic. 

A large number of the enemy were discovered in the front, and 
the 27th advanced towards them. Sergeant Freeman being again 
in possession of the colors. At this conjuncture, while my piece 
was leveled, I received a ball in my breast and fell, remarking to 
my comrade that I should have to leave him. The Sergeant gave 
me a glance so full of sympathy at my misfortune that I never can 
forget it, and with the regiment passed on to meet the enemy. I 
crept to a rail fence near by, and lay insensible about fifteen or 
twenty minutes, as I should judge, and upon regaining conscious- 
ness, discovered that I was surrounded by numbers of dead and 
wounded. The immediate vicinity was not then occupied by troops. 
The first notable object that excited my attention was a Union sol- 
dier, who was wounded in the left arm, which lay powerless at his 



THE WOUNDED PRISOK-EUS. 9 

side. He was standing beside the fence, bis piece resting upon the 
rail, and which, after taking deliberate aim, he discharged at the 
enemy. He then dropped his musket, and came and laid down 
beside me. No more passed between us, but I imagined he had 
obtained "satisfaction" for his own grievances. 

While still lying in my position, I beheld another Union soldier 
at a short distance, climbing the fence. He held his musket in his 
right hand, but while astride of the fence, and in the act of getting 
down, a cannon-shot struck the rail, shattering it in pieces, and 
sending its rider whirling and summersetting in the air, with a 
velocity that would have astonished the most accomplished acro- 
bat. He gathered himself up with almost an equal degree of alac- 
rity, and started on "double quick" toward our own forces. He 
had proceeded but a few feet, however, when he came to a halt. 
Casting his eyes over his shoulder and perceiving that he was un- 
pursued, he scratched his head thoughtfully for a moment, and then 
ran back and recovered his musket and started again for his regi- 
ment. I was in too much pain and bewilderment at the time to 
fully appreciate the comicality of this performance, but have since 
enjoyed many a hearty chuckle upon its reflection. 

There was a great deal of skirmishing upon the field, and many 
instances of personal bravery particularly worthy of remark. I 
noticed, for example, one soldier leave his regiment, and crossing 
the field and leaping the fence, load and fire several times at a 
squad of cavah*y. He was finally discovered, and three or four 
of their number rode down upon him. One who was in advance 
of the rest, came upon " our hero " as he was in the act of loading. 
He had driven the ball home, but had not withdrawn the ramrod. 
The horseman raised his sabre, and the next instant, as it appeared 
to me, the volunteer was to be short by a head ; but suddenly in- 
verting his musket, he dropped out the ramrod, and in the twink- 
ling of an eye emptied the saddle and started back to his regiment. 
After proceeding a few rods, and finding that the enemy had given 
up the chase, he started back to recover his ramrod, and with it 
returned in triumph to his regiment, where he was greeted with 
rousing cheers. 

But it is needless to multiply instances of this nature, so many 
of which have been already published by the press. The move- 
ments upon the field had in the meantime changed in such a man- 
ner that I found the spot where I lay exposed to the cross-firing, 
and accordingly crept to the cellar of "the old stone house." The 
passage was not unattended with danger, the rebels making a tar- 
get of every living object upon that section of the field, (from which 
our troops had retreated,) and their balls whizzed briskly about me. 
The cellar in which I found refuge was already occupied by many 
other wounded Union soldiers, who had likewise sought its shel- 



10 I'lVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. 

ter. They were lying in the mud and water upon the ground. 
Upon entering, I discovered Corporal Fairchild, (above mentionod, 
of the 27th,) who was moving about among the wounded, exerting 
himself to relieve their sufferings by stanching their wounds, etc. 
Their distracted and agonizing cries would have moved the most 
obdurate heart to pity. " Water, water ! " was the prayer upon 
every tongue, but it was unavailing. To linger upon such a scene 
is to recall one of the most painful experiences of my life, and one 
which no words can adequately depict. The floor above was also 
covered v/ith wounded soldiers, whose cries could be distinctly 
heard. I was not then aware that my friends and comrades, Clague 
and Hanlon, of Rochester, were among the occupants of the upper 
floor. 

The cross-firing of the troops continued, and the rattle of mus- 
ket balls against the walls of the building was almost incessant. 
A number of them entered the windows, wounding three of the 
inmates. 

A cannon-shot also passed through the building, but inflicted 
no bodily injury. Pending these occurrences, two rebel soldjera 
entered the cellar, one of them seeking shelter in the fire-place. 
They were both unwounded. The occupant of the fire-place, how- 
ever, had not fairly ensconced himself when a musket ball passed 
through his leg. The other, who was lying by my side, was also 
severely wounded — a fitting penalty for their cowardice and de- 
sertion. 

Finding that the building was likely to be destroyed by the con- 
tinued firing, one of our number went to the door, and placing a 
havelock on his bayonet waved it aloft in the air. This hospital 
signal was greeted with a shower of balls from the Confederates, 
and he was compelled to retire. Subsequently a yelloiv flag was 
displayed from the floor above, but it was likewise disregarded. 

The wounded were perishing with thirst. At the distance of 
about two rods from the building was a pump, and one noble fel- 
low (whose name I regret that I have forgotten) took two canteens 
and went out to obtain water. While so doing he received ^/jye or 
six musket balls, in different portions of his body, from the rebel 
forces — yet was not fatally injured. Though very low he was 
still alive, an inmate of prison hospital No. 2, when I left Rich- 
mond. He will ever be remembered with gratitude and affection 
by those who witnessed his^noble conduct, and shared in the ben- 
efits of his exploit. It is my opinion that between fifty and sixty 
men fell in the immediate vicinity of the pump and "the old stone 
house." 

From the position in which I lay, glancing outward, I could 
discover the movements of troops upon the field, and at times 
with tolerable distinctness. The battle seemed general, but irreg- 



OBSERVATION'S AJ713 lJlPliESSlO?fS. 11 

ular, and I witnessed no bayonet charges, or murderous hand-to- 
hand conflicts. The thrilling pictures by " our special artist, taken 
upon the spot," subsequently to adorn the pages of our enterprising 
illustrated weeklies, must have been seen "through a glass, dark- 
ly," or in the heated imaginations of that ubiquitous class of cor- 
respondents who simultaneously indite at Hong Kong, Constan- 
tinople and Salt Lake City, and invariably reach the sanctum in 
time to read the proof of their own missives. 

The observations and impressions of another spectator of the 
same field, are thus truthfully and graphically described: 

I'll tell you what I heard that day : 
I heard the great guns, far away, 
Boom after boom. Their sullen sound 
Shook all the shuddering air around. 

•'What saw I?" Little. Clouds of dust; 
Great squares of men, with standards thrust 
Against their course ; dense columns crowned 
"With billowing steel. Then, bound on bound, 
The long black lines of cannon poured 
Behind the horses, streaked and gored 
With sweaty speed. Anon shot by, 
Like a lone meteor of the sky, 
A single horseman ; and he shone 
His bright face on me, and was gone. 
All these, with rolling drums, with cheers, 
"With songs familiar to my ears, 
Passed under the far hanging cloud, 
And vanished, and my heart was proud ! 

At length a solemn stillness fell 

Upon the land. O'or hill and dell ' 

Failed every sound. My heart stood still, 

Waiting before some coming ill. 

The silence was more sad and dread, 

Under that canopy of lead. 

Than the wild tumult of the war 

That raged a little while before. 

All nature, in her work of death. 

Paused for one last, despairing breath; 

And, cowering to the earth, I drew 

From her strong breast, my strength anew. 

When I arose, I wondering saw 

Another dusty vapor draw, 

From the far right, its sluggish way 

Towards the main cloud, that frowning lay 

Against the westwai'd sloping sun ; 

And all the war was re-begun, 

Ere this fresh marvel of my sense 

Caught from my mind significance. 

O happy dead, who early fell, 

Yo have no wretched tale to tell 



12 riVE MONTIiS IN EEBELDOM. 

Of causeless fpar and coward flight, 
Of victory snatched b'-neath your sight, 
Of martial streni^th and honor lost, 
Of mere life bought at any cost. 
Ye peri^hed in your conscious pride. 
Ere this misfortune opened wide 
A wound that cannot close or heal 
Ye perished steel to levelled steel. 
Stern votaries of the god of war, 
Filled with his godhead to the core ! 

While our forces were on the retreat, pursued by the rebels, a 
body of troops halted at the stone building, entered with bayonets, 
and demanded a surrender ! They were to all appearances as 
much intimidated as though they had anticipated a successful 
resistance. None was made, however. No violence was oiFered 
to the prisoners, and in this connection, I may state that I saw 
no "bayoneting" whatever committed by the enemy at Bull 
Run. Our arms were delivered up, and a few moments after- 
ward I was led and half-carried away to the quarters of Gen. 
Beauregard, situate at a distance of perhaps half a mile. Before 
reaching there, we encountered Gen. Beauregard, flanked by 
Johnson and Davis, riding across the field. Their countenances 
were illuminated with a mingled feeling of joy and exultation, 
and they could well afford, as they did, to salute an unfortunate 
prisoner. The head-quarters consisted of a large white house. 
It was filled with wounded soldiers, undergoing surgical attention. 
Fragments of human bodies were strewed upon the verandah and 
about the building, and large numbers of both Union and rebel 
wounded lay outside upon the ground. 

On arriving at head-quarters, my guard, who was a private 
soldier, pointed me out to a " Louisiana Tiger," and performed 
the ceremony of introduction by saying, " Here's one of our 
Tigers !" — and — " Here's a d — d Yankee !" I expected a savage 
growl, not to say the roughest of embraces at the hands of 
the savage forester, and was not a little surprised when he ap- 
proached me kindly, with the remark, "Are you wounded, sir?" 
I replied in the affirmative, when he resumed, "I am sorry for 
you. I hope you will soon recover, and be restored to your 
friends." My companion, the guard, appeared to be quite as 
much astonished as myself; though less agreeably so, I have no 
doubt. 

The case above noted may have been exceptional, for I was 
afterwards subjected to frequent insults from private soldiers, 
though kindly treated, in general, by the " Confederate " officers. 

Night closed in with a pouring rain, and the wounded lay upon 
the ground unsheltered. I slept soundly, after these unaccus- 
tomed hardships, and was awakened by the sound of the morning 



A METHODIST STUDENT. 13 

reveille. My arm was stiff, my wound extremely painful, and my 
physical powers quite exhausted. A Lieutenant approached me 
and inquired as to my condition, and I* begged him to find me a 
shelter. He absented himself for a short time, and then returned 
to say that there was but one place to be had, and that was a 
tent which was already filled with Confederate wounded, but that 
if I was content to lay in the water for the sake of a shelter over- 
head, he would try to provide for me. I gladly accepted the 
offer, and soon found myself at the place indicated. As I 
entered, a wounded Confederate soldier, who had a blanket above 
and another beneath him, offered me one of them, which I at first 
politely declined. He however insisted, and I was soon enjoying 
its protection. Soon after, I observed a young man standing at 
the opening of the tent and looking within. As he glanced at 
me I nodded, and stooping down he kindly inquired if he could 
do anything to relieve me. After some conversation, I gave 
him the address of my wife, begging him to write and inform her 
of my misfortune, etc. He was, it appeared, a Methodist student, 
and though a private soldier in the ranks of the rebels, was then 
acting in the capacity of Chaplain, and administering consolation 
to the wO'unded. I should occupy too much space in reporting 
our discussions at length. Before leaving, he kneeled in the 
water at my side and offered one of the most eloquent and 
moving supplications to which I have ever listened. He soon 
after fulfilled his promise to notify my family of my condition, 
and subsequently, during my imprisonment, called upon me and 
placed in my hand five dollars and a copy of the Bible. I shall 
ever treasure it as a memento of our brief acquaintance, and of 
my heartfelt gratitude toward William E. Boggs, of Wainsboro, 
South Carolina. 



CHAPTER II. 

"While I was lying in the tent of the wounded "Confederates," a 
private soldier who had just received his ration, (consisting of 
half a pint of coffee, a hard biscuit and a small piece of bacon,) 
brought it to me, saying, " You need this more than I do." I at 
first hesitated to accept it, but he urged it upon me, remarking, 
" We were enemies yesterday, in the field, but we are friends 
to-day, in misfortune." 

I would a^:rain state that these are exceptional instances of the 
feeling generally manifested by the rebels toward their prisoners, 
and the fact rather enhances my feeling of gratitude for the 
kind-hearted treatment, of which, at times, I was so singularly 
the recipient, ^j 



14 TITE MONTHS IN HEBELDOM. 

While the above scene was transpiring, a number of officers 
were standing near, conversing, and one of them asked me how 
it was that men who fought so bravely could retreat, when 
the day was fairly their oivn ? The speaker said it was at first 
believed to be a " Yankee trick," or the Confederates would 
have followed up their advantage ! He solicited my opinion on 
this subject, and I' assured him (of what I fully believed,) that 
our forces would unquestionably return, and quite as unexpected- 
ly as they had retired. 

I was soon informed that all of the prisoners whose condition 
was such as to withstand the fatigues of the journey, would be 
immediately removed to Manassas ; and soon after I was placed 
in a lumber wagon, beside one other prisoner and three wounded 
rebels, and we reached our destination after about an hour's 
drive through a forest road. It struck me as rather significant 
that the direct road was avoided, and hence no prisoner trans- 
ported in this manner was afforded an inspection of the enemy's 
defenses. 

The rain continued to pour in torrents, and without intermis- 
sion. As we arrived opposite the depot at Manassas, I was 
afforded a glimpse of the place. The most prominent was the 
hospital, a large frame structure, opposite to which was the only 
battery to be seen in the vicinity. The only mounted piece was 
a shell-mortar. There were perhaps a dozen small frame build- 
ings, which comprised the " Junction " proper. All of these 
seemed to have been appropriated to the accommodation of the 
Confederate wounded. Numerous tents had been pitched for a 
similar purpose, and temporary sheds were also in process of 
erection. 

The Confederates were assisted from the wagon ; my fellow- 
prisoner also descended and went off to obtain shelter, and even 
the guard and driver, thoroughly drowned out by the deluge, 
deserted their posts of duty, and left me to 

•' Bide the pelting of the pitiless storm " 

in solitude. I finally managed to get out upon the ground, and 
crept along, "swimmingly," to the hospital. There I was 
refused admission,, on account of its over-crowded state, but 
finally prevailed upon the steward to let me within the hall, where 
with a number of others, I remained for about one hour. As 
formerly, when I had reached almost the lowest depth of despon- 
dency, I was so fortunate as to secure a friend in a wounded 
rebel soldier. In the course of our conversation, he informed 
me that all of the prisoners were to be conveyed to Richmond. 
He was going ate far as Culpepper, where his parents resided, and 
he assured me that if I desired to go with him, I should receive 



" ON TO EICHMOND." 15 

tlie best of medical care and attention. I accepted the kind offer 
conditionally, as I did not wish to be separated from my wounded 
comrades. He then — upon receiving my parole of honor — 
assumed the responsibility of my custody, and we were soon 
among the passengers of a crowded train, and speeding " on to 
Richmond." 

The journey occupied two days, the train being required to 
halt at every station from one to three hours. All along the 
route great crowds of people were assembled, consisting mostly 
of women and children, and at almost every place large numbers 
of Confederate wounded were removed from the cars, followed 
by weeping and distracted relatives. Some of these scenes were 
very affecting. 

Davis, Lee, and other Confederate magnates, accompanied us 
as far as Orange Court House, and at intervening points the first 
named was called out upon the platform to speak to the multi- 
tudes. At some villages the women thronged about the cars, 
offering refreshments to the wounded, both Union and Confede- 
rate, but more particularly to the former, whom they seemed to 
regard with mingled curiosity and favor. I suspected that the 
sympathies of some were even more deeply enlisted than they 
dared to avow. We were invariably addressed as "Yankees," 
and there were frequent inquiries respecting " Old Scott, the 
traitor," and " Old Lincoln, the tyrant." The ladies generally 
expressed a benevolent desire to "get hold" of the hero of 
Lundy's Lane, in order to string him up. 

Arriving at Culpepper, the daughter of Major Lee, a young 
and beautiful damsel, came up to the window from which I leaned, 
and asked if she could do anything for me; and added, " What 
did you come down here for?" [This had become a stereotyped 
query.] I replied, " To protect the Stars and Stripes and pre- 
serve the Union." 

My questioner then proceeded, after the uniform custom, to 
berate Gen. Scott. " That miserable Old Scott — a Virginian by 
birth — a traitor to his own State — tve all hate /hhi.'" And the 
heightened color, the vindictive glance and the emphatic tones of 
the excited maiden, furnished assurance that her anger was un- 
feigned. But it quickly subsided, and after some further conver- 
sation, she took from her bonnet a miniature silken secession flag, 
which she handed to me, remarking that, she thought I could fight 
as well for the "Stars and Bars," as for the Stars and Stripes. 
I playfully reminded her that she had just denounced Gen. Scott 
as a traitor to his own State, and if I should fight for the " Stars 
and Bars," I should be a traitor to the State of New York ! This 
trivial argument was evidently a poser. " Oh !" responded she, 
*' I ha^ not thought of that !" — But she insisted upon my accep- 



16 FIVE MONTHS IN KEBELDOM. 

tance of the emblem of disloyalty, and I still retain it as a 
memento of the occurrence, and with a feeling of kindly regard 
for the donor. She cut the buttons from my coat sleeve, and I 
consented to the "formal exchange," though not exactly recog- 
nizing her as a " belligerent power." 

As Miss Lee retired, another young lady came forward, and 
glancing at my companion, the Confederate guard, addressed him 
as a " Yankee prisoner," expressing her indignant surprise that 
he should have invaded their soil to fight them. He corrected 
her mistake, stating that I, not he, was the " Yankee prisoner." 

" No — no— you can't fool me ; I know the Yankees too well," 
insisted the lady. I corroborated the assertion of my custodian, 
but it was some time before her prejudices could be overcome. 

At almost every station on the route, one or more dead 
bodies were removed from the train, and placed in charge of 
their friends. The University at or near Culpepper, and the 
Church at Warrenton, had been fitted up for hospital purposes, 
and large numbers of the Confederate wounded were conveyed 
to them from the train. Of the six or seven cars which started 
from Manassas, there were but two remaining when we reached the 
rebel capital. We arrived there about 9 o'clock in the evening. 
After the cars* had halted, I heard a low voice at my window, 
which was partly raised. It was quite dark, and I could not 
distinguish the speaker, who was evidently an Irish woman. 

" Whist, whist !" said she ; " are ye hungry ?" 

I replied that I was not, but that some of the boys probably 
were. 

"Wait till I go to the house," she answered, and a moment 
afterward I heard her again at the window. She handed me a 
loaf of bread, some meat, and about a dozen baker's cakes, 
saying — as she handed me the first — " That was all I had in the 
house, but I had a shillin', and I bought the cakes wid it ; and if 
I had more, sure you should have it and welcome ! Take it, 
and God bless ye!" 

I thanked her, and said, " You are very kind to enemies." 

" Whist," said she, " and aint I from Neto York meseJff 
and with this tremulous utterance she retired as mysteriously as 
she had come. 

This was the first "Union demonstration" that I witnessed in 
Old Virginia I thanked God for the consolation which the re- 
flection afforded me, as for the third night I lay sleeplessly in the 
cars, my clothing still saturated and my body thoroughly chilled 
from the effects of the deluge at Manassas. I could have desired 
no sweeter morsel than the good woman's homely loaf; and 
proud of the loyal giver, I rejoiced that " I was from New York 
meself." 



THE MILITAKT HOSPITAL, 17 

The following morning the prisoners were all removed to the 
hospital and provided with comfortable quarters and medical 
attendance. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Military Hospital is a large brick structure, in the form of 
the letter E, without the middle bracket. It is pleasantly located 
on a slight elevation in the northern suburbs of the city, and near 
the fortifications commanding the entrance from Manassas. It 
was originally designed for a poor-house, and had not reached a 
completed state when it was required for hospital purposes. The 
car load of wounded with whom I arrived, constituted the first 
instalment of hospital inmates, and, as before stated, we were 
immediately provided with comfortable quarters, and for the first 
time since the battle had our wounds dressed. Upon every suc- 
ceeding day we received numerous accessions to our number, 
until the hospital was filled to its utmost capacity. Indeed, the 
floors were covered with cots, and every available space was oc- 
cupied by the form of a wounded Union soldier. The head- Sur- 
geon of the establishment was Dr. Peachy, of Richmond. He 
had a numerous corps of assistants, consisting principally of 
medical students, who had gladly availed themselves of the op- 
portunity to engage at once in an extensive, if not a successful 
practice. Dr. Peachy himself is an amiable, kind-hearted gen- 
tleman, whose sympathies seemed deeply enlisted in behalf of 
his unfortunate patients, and was untiring in his professional at- 
tentions, which were impartially distributed between oflicers and 
privates. 

The Sisters of Charity of Richmond had volunteered their 
services in behalf of the wounded, and many a poor fellow would 
gladly testify to their kind and unremitting attentions — and how 
that 

The charities that soothe, that heal, that bless, 
Were scattered round his lowly couch like flowers. 

Hardly were the prisoners comfortably bestowed in hospital quar- 
ters, before the place literally swarmed with visitors. The 
greater portion of them were ladies, who brought us dainties of 
every description, and in some instances articles of underclothing, 
which were greatly needed. It is undoubtedly the fact that the be- 
nevolence of many of these ladies was prompted by feelings of 
loyalty to the Federal Grovernment, which in no other way could 
find a practical expression. 

Among them was at least one, a lady of the highest social and 
political connections in Richmond, whose name (which I would 
2 



18 nVE MONTHS IN KEBELDOM. 

gladly publish) I am induced . from prudential motives to with- 
hold. On the day of our arrival she visited the hospital, attend- 
ed by a female companion and a negro servant, bearing baskets 
generously laden with luxuries of every kind. Her pockets, also, 
were crammed with plug tohacco and cakes of castile soap, which 
she clandestinely distributed among the patients. To her kind- 
ness and ingenuity I was indebted for the secret coAveyance of 
the first letter which I was enabled to write, and also the first, as 
I was afterwards informed, which left Richmond from the prison- 
ers taken at Bull Run. The anxiety of this kind lady to more 
fully relieve the distresses of the wounded prisoners, at length 
overcame her discretion, and her work of benevelence was estop- 
ped by a formal investigation. It was argued by the hospital 
authorities that the Confederate wounded were more properly the 
subjects for the exercise of Southern benevolence, and that the 
extravagant charities bestowed upon the "Yankees" were evi- 
dences of a "Union" sentiment that could not be tolerated with- 
out detriment to the "Confederacy." 

The lady in question, as well as others, likewise generous, 
were at length grossly assailed by the Richmond press, and af- 
terwards prohibited from administering to our comfort, and final- 
ly were even refused admission to the hospital. In this connec- 
tion I may state that several of our lady visitors informed me 
that they belonged in the North, but were compelled to remain in 
'Richmond. It will be remembered that in Norfolk an order was 
issued asking all "alien enemies," who desired to return North, 
to report themselves at a given time to the Confederate authori- 
ties, and they would be then sent under a flag of truce to Fortress 
Monroe. As a result, a large number, who had succeeded in 
evading suspicion, presented themselves at the place indicated, 
where their names were registered. But instead of being sent 
to Fortress Monroe, they were arrested and sent to Richmond ! 
Here, of course, they were subjected to a system of espionage es- 
tablished by King Jefi". to promote the safety of his Confederate 
despotism. One lady, whose acquaintance I had made in the 
hospital, informed me that the Stars and Stripes Avere concealed 
in her house, and that she only waited a favorable opportunity to 
fling them to the breeze ! 

I shall not dwell at length upon the painful and exciting scenes 
which transpired under my notice at the hospital. On the fourth 
day after I entered that place, I was surprised at recognizing 
my old comrade of the 27th, John F. Clague, who was brought in 
with a large number of wounded. This "batch" (to use the hos- 
pital term applied to new comers) comprised some of the most 
critical cases brought from Manassas. Many of them had been 



AFFECXING SCEXES, 19 

picked up from the field two days after the battle, -and their re- 
covery was regarded as hopeless. 

The amputating room was in the center of the building, within 
easy call of any part of the hospital, and the frightful cries of 
the unfortunate subjects, white undergoing surgical operation, 
added a ten-fold torture to the pangs of those who were in wait- 
ing. Upon the average, as the physicians estimated, but 07ie in 
ten survived their amputations. Consequently, when one of our 
number was removed to the "amputating table," we felt that we 
looked upon him for the last time. These operations frequently 
lasted one or two hours, the patient being under the influence 
of chloroform and whisky. Frequently the subject survived sev- 
eral days, but always in great suffering. 

Although many expressed a mortal dread of the terrible ordeal, 
there were others who submitted to it with a fortitude which 
seemed unexampled. In one instance a young man by the name 
of Farmer, from Minnesota, was twice compelled to submit to 
the amputation of his left leg. The first operation was perform- 
ed at Manassas, but during his journey to Richmond the jolting 
of the cars inflamed the wound, and disarranged the bandages. 
Mortification ensued, and he was informed he must undergo a 
second operation. He received the announcement with a cheerful 
smile, and said that he was ready. Here, indeed, was the teach- 
ing of 

" How suhlime a thing it is to suffer and he strong." 

The fearful ordeal was passed triumphantly, but he was replaced 
in his ward to die. The Confederate attendants, in passing 
through the hospital, frequently stopped to speak to him, and 
he always responded smilingly to their inquiries, that he was do- 
ing well and should recover. When asked if he did not regret 
having invaded their territory, he invariably answered: "No, no, 
he had nothing whatever to regret!" 

With his comrades, however, he confessed that his sufferings 
were intense, and expressed doubts of his recovery. The last 
time I conversed with him, he requested a pipe of tobacco, which 
I procured for him, and left him tranquilly smoking in his cot and 
apparently enjoying his own reflections. In a little while he called 
me again to his side, and in the politest manner asked me to bring 
him some water, which I speedily obtained. A short time after- 
ward I again approached his couch and discovered that his face 
was covered. He had indeed, 

Passed through Glory's morning gate, 
And walked in Paradise. 

The only instance of brutality that I witnessed, occurred du- 
ring an operatipn performed upon a Michigan Captain. His right 



20 FIVE MONTHS IN REBELDOM. 

thigh had been shattered by a minie ball, and required an ampu- 
tation at the hip. Probably no severer operation is known in 
surgical practice. The subject was stupified with chloroform, and 
the sponge was constantly held to his nostrils ; but his shrieks and 
groans were unintermitting, and agonizing in the extreme. Du- 
ring the operation, a rebel soldier employed in the hospital stood 
at his head, assisting to hold him down. His sense of the pro- 
prieties of the occasion could not tolerate the cries of the wretch- 
ed victim, and he rudely told him to "stop his noise," and "shut 
his mouth." Not finding himself obeyed, the brutal fellow with 
great rudeness clasped, or rather struck, both of his palms over 
the Captain's face, and held them firmly there till discovered by 
one of the students, who then ordered him from the room. The 
operation was finally performed, the limb being disjointed at the 
hip. Three hours afterward the sufi'erer was relieved by death. 

One other case of a totally difi'erent character may be noted. 
Upon one occasion a young man was borne into the hospital who 
represented that he had seven hullets in his body. His 8ufi"erings 
had excited much sympathy at Manassas, and upon removal he 
had to be carried to the cars on a litter. His groans drew tears 
of pity from even the Confederate guards, and every one who ap- 
proached him expressed the opinion that it was the most shock- 
ing case that had appeared. He was handled with exceeding 
carefulness in being conveyed to the hospital, and immediately 
placed upon a cot, not, however, without extorting some of the 
most agonizing utterances to which I ever listened. Dr. Peachy 
soon approached him and inquired as to the nature of his wounds. 
" Seven bullets," was the laconic response. "But where are 
they?" continued the Doctor. "One of them went in my ear, 
and I feel it in my head," was the reply, "but you can't find it, 
and there's no use of trying." 

As to the locality of the other wounds, he professed ignorance, 
with the exception of one, which he said had shattered his foot. 
The foot was examined, and the heel of it was found to be slight- 
ly contused. Finally, the sufferer confessed that this was the ex- 
tent of his injuries. He said he had feared that unless dreadfully 
wounded he would be roughly treated, if not put, to death, and 
had accordingly determined to resort to a Yankee trick. It was 
highly successful. He was immediately christened "Seven Bul- 
lets," and is known by no other title among his prison associates 
to this day. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Among the prisoners taken at Bull Run was Capt. Ricketts, of 
Rickett's Battery, Regular Army. He was severely wounded, 
and was removed with others to the General Hospital, where he 
was placed with the commissioned officers, in an apartment on the 
second floor. I introduce his name in this connection for the pur- 
pose of testifying to 'the devoted heroism of his affectionate wife, 
who, having heard of his misfortune, immediately proceeded from 
New York to Washington, and, unattended, made her way to the 
enemy's lines, and surrendered herself a prisoner, with the re- 
quest that she might be permitted to attend her husband. Her 
application was granted, but while journeying from Manassas to 
Richmond, she was grossly insulted by the rebel soldiery, and 
encountered many formidable obstacles to the success of her mis- 
sion. Her indomitable perseverance was, however, at length re- 
warded, and she obtained admission to the hospital, where she re- 
mained several months. Once there, her kindly attentions were 
not restricted to her husband, or to the officers' apartment, but in 
a little while she was known to all the inmates, and her cheering 
smiles and womanly sympathy were like gleams of sunshine upon 
every heart. When I was removed from the hospital she was 
still there, faithfully administering to the wants of the suffering 
. and encouraging the desponding to hope for better days. There 
are none among the prisoners who can recall the name of Mrs. 
Fanny Ricketts without feelings of the deepest gratitude and 
brotherly affection. 

Several of Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves were among the wounded, 
and I observed that they were regarded by the Confederate sol- 
diers with a feeling of aversion which they were at no pains to 
conceal. One of their (the Zouaves') number was a young Vir- 
ginian named Brown, who had long resided in New York. Short- 
ly after his arrival at the hospital he was visited by his father, 
who is a resident of Richmond. The interview was not charac- 
terized by any display of tenderness on either side, but was one 
of those scenes, rather, which are best calculated to illustrate the 
implacable hatred with which the rebels regard all who have not 
proved faithless to the General Government. The father was a 
stubborn rebel and the son a patkiox soldiek. The scene may 
be better imagined than described. After exhausting every argu- 
ment and expostulation upon the unrelenting boy, the old man 
disoivned, and declared that he would disinherit him. To this the 
young soldier replied that his only hope was that he might recover 



22 PIVE MONTHS IN jREBELBOM. 

from his wounds, get back to the Union army, and fight again for 
the Stars and Stripes ! And thus they separated. The gallant 
soldier was among the released prisoners of the 3d of January, and 
upon placing his foot upon the Federal steamer was the very first 
to propose "three cheers for the Stars and Stripes." I regret to 
add that he is not yet fully recovered from his wounds, and was at 
last accounts confined in the military hospital at Baltimore. 

I had been three weeks in the Richmond hospital when a large 
number of the patients were transferred to one of the tobacco 
warehouses, and their places refilled by Confederate soldiers, who 
were suffering from measles, typhoid fever and, other diseases. 
They had been sent from the hospital at Manassas. No pains 
were taken to separate this class of patients from the Federal 
wounded, and it is not a little strange that these diseases, known 
to be infectious, were not communicated to other inmates. 

This new fellowship was not particularly inviting, and the woun- 
ded generally reserved their sympathies for mutual exchange — 
assisting one another so far as practicable, and enjoying their little 
luxuries in common. By degrees, however, the new companion- 
ship ripened into familiar intercourse, and then came political dis- 
cussions, which at times provoked considerable ill-feeling on both 
sides. All were uncompromising in their opinions, and the de- 
bates frequently terminated in the most emphatic and war-like 
declarations. At such times the excitement usually found vent in 
fist-shaking, and other threatening gestures, but upon one occa- 
sion, a prisoner gravely proposed that an equal number should be 
chosen from each side, of all that were able to walk, and who 
should go into the hospital yard and settle their contentions by a 
fair fight ! The rebels would not, however, accede to this propo- 
sition, and thenceforth the Federalists regarded the question of 
our relative manhood and bravery as practically settled. 

The fact of the matter was, (and I say it not in a boastful spir- 
it,) that the rebels only desired to be let alone ! It was the head 
and tail of their every argument. "Why do you come here to 
subjugate us ? — Let us alone. We want peace — let us alone! We 
have done nothing — let tjs alone!" 

One of their number approached me — and he is the type of a 
very numerous class — and asked me with all candor if / knew 
what the South was fighting /o?-f I told him what every soldier 
in the army of the Union knows. He was of the opinion that they 
were acting solely in self-defence ; that the North, or Lincoln, had 
deliberately commenced the war with a view to subjugate the 
South, desolate their homes, liberate their slaves, insult their 
women — and all this chiefly that we might enrich ourselves, and 
gratify a feeling of wanton malice against our "Southern breth- 
ren!" And these opinions, religiously cherished, he assured me 



DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. 23 

were largely shared by the Confederate army. Yet with all their 
gullibility they have a latent suspicion of the open-eyed conspir- 
acy of which they were made the victims ; and it was easy to per- 
ceive that there were many among them who had "no stomach for 
the fight." They had been literally impressed into the service of 
the Rebel Government and awaited only a favorable opportunity 
to desert. 

I could give numerous instances in point, but select a single one 
as a matter of local interest. I was accosted one day by a pri- 
vate (rebel) soldier, who came to the hospital as a visitor. He 
inquired my place of residence, etc., and upon learning it informed 
me that he was from Utica, N. Y., and had been employed as clerk 
for Owen GaflFney, Esq., (now of Rochester.) He mentioned the 
names of many persons whom I knew, and finally informed me 
that although a soldier in the rebel army, he was there because he 
could not help himself, and was seeking an opportunity to escape. 

Speaking of visitors, there were others worthy of notice, and 
among them the dapper Vice President of the bogus Confederacy, 
Mr. Alexander Stevens. There were a number of Georgians con- 
fined in the hospital, and Mr. Stevens had called to inquire after 
their welfare. He is a foppish little fellow, with long, straight 
hair and a beardless face, wears his hat at an acute angle, sports 
a switch cane and a Byron collar, and might be mistaken, at first 
glance, for a broken down theatre actor. I think he would prob- 
ably turn the scale of 125 pounds, if he bore down very hard. 
He is of a reserved demeanor, quiet, unpretending and agreeable 
in conversation, and while talking with the prisoners seemed to 
studiously avoid any remark that could be supposed to injure their 
feelings. He visited us quite often. 

We were also "honored" with a call from the editor of the 
Richmond Dispatch, who came in disguise, and regaled the pris- 
oners with plug tobacco and cigars, professed the deepest sympa- 
thy, and was exceedingly inquisitive. The day following he spread 
before his readers an account of his observations at the hospital, 
wherein he took occasion to denounce us in the most unsparing 
terms. Tray, Blanche and Sweetheart joined in this demoniac 
yoiol, and for a brief season little else was advocated by the Rich- 
mond press than a proposition to remove the "lazy Yankees" to 
the coal mines as soon as their wounds were healed, and compel 
them to work for their living. The editor of the Dispatch subse- 
quently renewed his visit, and was recognized. The boys, how- 
ever, professed to regard him as a stranger, but improved the 
opportunity to introduce the said editor as a topic of discussion, 
and berated him to their satisfaction. Believing himself unknown 
he bore it without remonstrance, but did not remain long, and we 
never "looked upon his like again." 



24 PIVl; MONTHS IN EEBELBOM. 

We had visitors of every class. I was leaning upon the bal- 
cony one day, when an elderly lady approached me, saying that 
she desired to pass into the ward where the Confederate patients 
were confined, but she did not want to see any of the "horrid 
Yankees." I had understood that the popular superstition re- 
specting Federal soldiers, savored of horns and claws ; but not 
calculating the eifect of a sudden avowal, I remarked, in win- 
ning accents and with the pleasantest distortion of countenance 
of which ray facial muscles were susceptible, that I was a "beast 
of Ephesus " myself ! The disclosure seemed to take effect in the 
lady's stomach, for after a tragic and momentary collapse which 
threatened to snap the spinal column, she wildly flung up her arms, 
exclaiming "0-yah-ugh!" and vanished. 

On every Sunday the outskirts of the prison were thronged with 
visitors, who had come upon a staring expedition, and seemed 
amply repaid if they obtained a glimpse of the Yankees. Bar- 
num's Museum would have passed for a side-show, in comparison 
with the hospital attractions. Upon one occasion I was standing 
at the window with a companion, when we were accosted by a 
savage-looking fellow under a planter's hat, and very genteely 
dressed, who asked me if I had had enough of Bull Run. I re- 
plied by inquiring if he was there. No — he wa,s not. " I sup- 
posed not," said I, "for any one who would insult a prisoner is 
too cowardly to go where there is any danger." 

I regretted the observation, for it was no sooner uttered than 
the prancing fire-eater emitted the most sulphurous volley of oaths 
that I had heard on the " sacred soil." Fuming and snorting with 
wrath he paced backward and forward, his glittering eye 

" In a fine frenzy rolling," 

till having collected himself for a second attack, he exclaimed, 
" Well, you belong to the Confederates now — you are in our 
poiver,'^ 

My companion asked him if he belonged to the Confederates ? 
"Yes," he rejoined with emphasis, ''I do!" 

" Well, what does your master ask for you?" said the former. 

This was a sad blow to the " chivalric" Southerner, who was 
of a suspiciously dark coviplexion, and certainly could not be classed 
among "poor white trash." To add to his discomfiture, the by- 
standers laughed as heartily as the "Yankees." The only re- 
source of our rabid friend was to cast out another volley of oaths, 
but before he could do justice to his subject, he was walked off 
by the guard. 



CHAPTER V. 

The scarcity of lint, or plaster, was the most serious want ex- 
perienced by the hospital surgeons, and at one period the supply 
was entirely cut off, and our wounds were for a time left undress- 
ed. "Tell your master, Lincoln, to raise the blockade, and then 
we will provide for you," was the frequent remark of the surgeons. 
" As it is, we haven't enough for our own wounded, and they 
must be served first." Cotton was substituted, and that article 
being a " drug" in the medical cabinet, it in point of quantity sub- 
served the desired purpose. 

On the 11th of September I was transferred from the general 
hospital to Prison No. 1 — a tobacco warehouse, situate on the bank 
of the James river.* There were some half dozen tobacco facto- 
ries appropriated to similar purposes, but my observations were 
necessarily restricted to the one in which I enjoyed a "personal 
interest." It is a lofty brick building, three stories in height, its 
interior dimensions being seventy feet in length by twenty-six in 
width. The second and third floors were occupied by private sol- 
diers, (captured at Bull Run,) and the lower floor by the commisr 
sioned ofiicers and a number of civilians, among whom were our 
late lamented fellow-citizen, Calvin Huson, Jr., Esq., and the 
Hon. Alfred Ely. 

The windows of the third story commanded an excellent view of 
the city and its environs, but from the lower floor little was to be 
seen, beyond the street boundaries. I was placed in the depart- 
ment occupied by the privates. It was in a most crowded state, 
as may be inferred from the fact that at no time were there less 
than one hundred and thirty, and often as many as one hundred and 
fifty occupants. There were no artificial conveniences for either 
eating or sleeping. At night the prisoners stretched themselves 
upon the bare floor, uncovered ; and at meal time — if the irregu- 
lar and melancholy farce of eating may be thus interpreted — they 
sat upon the floor, ranging against the walls, and (in primitive 
style) devoured whatever they could obtain. 

A more gloomy and revolting spectacle can hardly present itself 
to the imagination, than was afforded by these filthy quarters. 
Let the reader picture a hundred haggard faces and emaciated 
forms — some with hair and beard of three months growth — so mis- 
erably clothed, in general, as scarcely to subserve the purposes of 
decency ; and many limping about with pain from healed wounds; 

*See engraving. 



26 FIVE MONTHS fH REBELDOM. 

and then some faint conception may be obtained of the wretched 
condition of these Union prisoners. I have still in my possession 
a note which I received from one of my comrades (an inmate of 
this prison), while I was still in the hospital. It reads as follows : 

Tobacco Warehouse, August 25, 1861. 

Dear Merrell : Have you got or can you get us a shirt or two and 
a pair of drawers? lam almost entirely naked. The shirt I have 
on, I have worn for three weeks. It was very much torn when 
I put it on, and now it is all in ribbons. My woolen shirt, drawers and 
a pair of stockings are all somewhere in the hospital. I don't suppose 
you can find them, but if you possibly can, do send at least a shirt, if 
no more. If you can't, heaven only knows what will become of me. 
I am very much in need of a towel, also. 

My wound is getting along well — indeed, I am getting stronger. 
There are quite a number of our regiment here, but none from our 
company. Please give my kindest regards to Sister Kose, and tell her 
I most heartily wish myself back under her care. J. 

P. S. — If you can get a piece of corn bread, send that along, too. 
"Wc don't see any of that article in these parts. 

The condition above described was characteristic of a large 
portion of the prisoners ; yet there were many whose privations 
were even worse. The prison discipline was as follows : Between 
eight and nine we received our morning ration, which consisted 
of bread (half baked), beef and water. The individual allow- 
ance was in quantity about one-half what a well man would natu- 
rally require. Our second and only other ration was received 
between four and five in the afternoon, and consisted of bread 
and soup — (the beef dispensed in the morning being taken from 
the "slops" of the day previous.) This was the standard bill of 
fare. The prisoners, sick and well, were compelled to accept it 
or — go without. 

A few of our number had blankets, and some of these were 
sold to the guard, and the avails appropriated to the purchase of 
edibles which could not be otherwise procured. 

The "poetasters" of Prison No. 2 could not resist the impulse 
to immortalize our "Prison Bill of Fare," and a concentrated 
effort at versification resulted in the following production, the 
authorship of which I believe is claimed by Sergeant Solomon 
Wood, of the 27th Regiment. I extract the more significant 
portions : 

First, at the sink having performed ablution. 

The problem, '^what's for breakfast?" needs solution. 

Like others not in Euclid, oft 'tis found 

To tax researches that are most profound. 

At length 'tis solved, when on his sapient head 

A colored gemman brings a loaf of bread, — 

Not common loaves, as in the shop you'll find, 

Such large affairs must suit the vulgar mind. 

Our friends take care our better tastes to meet, 

So send us loaves that are unique and neat ; 



Our longing eyes upon the batch we fix. 

Then quickly eat our rations, — ounces six; 

So justly are our appetites defined, 

These loaves are not the largest of their kind; 

To season them withal, our friends allow 

Three ounces of some lately butchered cow; 

How long ago we say not, but the smell 

Would indicate it rather hard to tell ; 

The doubt, however, is not worth discussing, 

Such things create unnecessary fussing; 

Besides, it would be wrong to heed such stufi", 

Kub it with salt, it then goes well enough. 

Thus, you perceive, all works have been at fault, i 

To doubt the potency of Kichmond salt; 

It sweetens and removes a doubtful flavor. 

"We once, indeed, had coflee, but we fear 

Our friends have found the article too dear; 

So now, we eat our sumptuous breakfast dry, 

For, even they use cofl"ee made from rye ; 

Some time we Yankees may the secret steal, 

And make pure Java from bad Indian meal; 

At all their little failings we must wink, 

And so ad libitum foul water drink ; 

Such is our morning meal; now, "what's for dinner?" 

Asks some insatiate half-starved sinner, 

A&.;if the bounty of our christian friends 

Was not enough to answer nature's ends. 

The fellow craves till problem number two 

Calls the attention of a hungry crew , 

That in a corner squat in deep reflection. 

Like cabinet ministers on home protection ; 

With busy hands, at length, their pates they scratch. 

As if their brains a dinner there could hatch ; 

'Twould seem, they had with one consent resolved 

To scratch until the problem had been solved. 

Others, again, beguile the weary hours 

With quiet game of cribbage, or all-fours ; — 

Wrapt in a cloud of smoke from morn till noon. 

They don't expect a dinner ivovh the moon. 

The sick lie on the floor as mute as mice, 

Poor devils, thankful for a little rice ; 

While lame and lazy, seeming ill at ease. 

Are laying plans their hunger to appease. 

Some fellows who are lucky, having money. 

Though Yankees think the medium rather funny, 

With bogus bills of small denominations, 

Contrive to add a little to their rations ; 

And eat at noon without a guilty blush, 

A pint of Indian meal, made into mush; 

Another brings to view his precious store : 

A bone, that he had picked too well before; 

This, (our pants inform us we are thinner,) 

Makes the sum total of our prison dinner. 

I now shall place in order proper. 

The dainty items of our prison supper : 



28 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELfiOM. 

At five o'clock, and sometimes half-past live, 

A humming- sound is heard throughout the hive; 

The hoarders tliink their supper ratlier late, 

And beat the deil's tattoo upon their plates ; 

Some get impatient, and the rest they choke 

In stifling clouds of vile tobacco smoke ; 

For, be it known, a hogshead found up stairs 

Affords the boys a chance to " put on airs." 

So those to whom the habit is quite new. 

Can smoke a pipe, or take a lucious chew ; 

But as the boarders throng around the door, 

Our colored gemman enters as before, 

"With graceful dignity, his load removes. 

While some thin wretch his tardiness reproves. 

Meanwhile, another of the sable race. 

Whose comic grin o'erspreads his ebon face, 

Upon his neighbor's heels had followed close, 

And in his hands a curious looking dose. 

But something floating meets the boarders' view, 

It must be, yes it is, an Irish stew ; 

Just then the eyes of hungry sinners gleam, 

Extended nostrils scent the fragrant stream, 

The grinning darkey on his fingers blows. 

His scalded hands to impatient boarders shows. 

Then leaves his steaming buckets on the floor. 

And with another grin he shuts the door. 

Now, anxious to inspect the savory mess, 

The hungry boarders round the buckets press. 

But, short and tall, their open mouths they droop. 

Their Irish stew is regulation soup ; 

Their happiness is changed to speechless grief. 

The water, this, in which they boiled their beef; 

Some friendly hand to make it somewhat thicker, 

Had dropped a cracker in the tasteless liquor ; 

Of this, each boarder shares a standard gill, 

Is quite enough, and warranted to kill. 

To test its strength on us is their intention, 

All the ingredients I dare not mention. 

We crumble in our ounces, six, of bread, 

Swallow the physic, and then go to bed ; 

This, be it known, is on hard boards. 

The best the prison discipline affords; 

Shades of the epicures of ancient Rome, 

Whose deeds are writ in many an ancient tome. 

Ye mighty men whose gastronomic feats 

Were sung in ballads in Rome's ancient streets, 

Whose wondrous deeds by Plato have been noted. 

And crests by modern epicures been quoted. 

Hold fast your laurels, for in Richmond Prison, 

E'en at this day, your rivals have arisen ; 

"^y^ho, though they cannot boast a second course. 

Have called from morn until their throats were hoarse ; 

Insatiate men, whose inwards nought can fill, 

Not even tubs of stuff called wholesome swill ; 

Who crammed their stomachs with suspicious beef, 

Would taint the fingers of a starving thief; 



REBEL ATROCITIES. 29 

Whose hungry eyes, most starting from their sockets, 

Proclaiming they are starving men, with empty pockets; 

Who eat with gusto the Confederate swill 

That would a famished jackal surely kill ; 

Assembled round Secession's filthy tub. 

Hyena-like, their eyes devour their grub; 

Nor can they have it in their hands too soon, 

But bolt it, dog-like, without fork or spoon, — 

Then, with a rag, moustaches must they wipe ; 

Such rare perfection in the mystic art 

Might cause the souls ol richer men to start. 

The famous soger may safely bood it. 

That he and all his tribe have got to hood it, 

And open shops where science is unknown, 

In some place bordering on the frigid zone. 

And tell the epicure, he may find there 

His fame was lost by this, our Bill of Fare ! 

Some of the prison guards not unusually displayed their author- 
ity in the commission of the most gratuitous and unprovoked 
outrages. The notorious Lieut. Todd was singularly vicious and 
brutal in his treatment of the prisoners, and seldom entered the 
room without grossly insulting some of the inmates. He inva- 
riably appeared with a drawn sword in his hand, and his voice and 
manner, as he addressed the prisoners, always indicated a desire 
to commit some cruel wrong. Upon one occasion, with the flat 
edge of his weapon, he severely struck in the face an invalid 
soldier, who had not obeyed the order to fall-in for roll-call, with 
sufficient alacrity ! At another time, one of the guard, in the 
presence and with the sanction of Todd, struck a prisoner upon 
the head with the butt-end of a musket. It is not to be wondered 
at that this ferocious and vindictive monster should be regarded 
with feelings of the deepest horror and detestation, and it was 
with the highest satisfaction that we learned he was to be super- 
seded for his tyrannical conduct. What " benefits " we realized 
from a change of administration, will appear in the course of 
the narrative. 

I believe that some of the prisoners attribute to Todd the 
crime of shooting some of our comrades ; or, at least, believe that 
the shooting was done by his orders. To give the d — 1 his due, I 
must admit there was no satisfactory evidence of this ; and con- 
clude that such acts were voluntary upon the part of the senti- 
nels. Whenever approaching the window, we were threateningly 
warned by the guard below, to stand back, etc.; but the curi- 
osity of some of our poor fellows, hungering and thirsting for a 
glimpse of the outer world, sometimes overcame their apprehen- 
sion of danger, and they sufi"ered according. 

The first victim of these Sepoy atrocities was private M. C. 
Beck, of the 79th Regiment. He was instantly killed by a 



30 FIVE MONTKS IN REBELDOM. 

musket ball, fired by one of the guard, while he (Beck) was in 
the act of hanging up his blanket, on the inside of the window, 
to dry. Shortly after this occurrence, private R. Gleason, of 
the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, was likewise shot while looking from 
the window. His murderer (the guard) is said to have remarked, 
as he leveled his musket, " See me take that d — d Zouave in the 
eye !" The ball entered his forehead, and he fell instantly dead. 

Four men of our number were, seriously wounded in this man- 
ner, and one, private C. W. Tibbetts, instantly killed, under 
circumstances which were peculiarly flagrant and indefensible. 
The prisoners were occasionally permitted to visit, in couples, 
an out-house in the prison yard, and as Tibbetts and a companion 
were going thither, with the consent of the guard, a sentinel on 
the opposite side deliberately raised his piece and fired at them. 
The ball passed through the breast of Tibbetts, killing him in- 
stantly, and wounding his companion in the arm. 

These atrocities passed unnoticed by the Richmond press, save 
in a single instance, the case of private Grleason, which elicited 
from the Dispatch the following mysterious falsification : 

" Sudden Death. — A Yankee prisoner named Gleason, a member 
of the Eleventh New York Kegiment, died very suddenly yesterday at 
the Confederate States Prison No. 1 ; cause, concussion of the brain, 
brought on by violent expectoration." 

The indignation of the prisoners at these skulking and cowardly 
assassinations, could find no adequate expression ; yet as the 
bleeding forms of their murdered comrades were one after another 
borne from their presence to the "negro burying ground," they 
felt that a day of Retribution, however long deferred, would be 
found in the book of the future. 

The successor of Todd was a Switzer named Wurtz, a vulgar, 
swaggering fellow, 

" Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard," 

and immensely inflated with the dignity of his position. The 
odor of his presence led to the suspicion that he had but a limited 
appreciation of the water privileges outside, or else improved 
them in homeopathic doses. His jargon was excessively amusing, 
and whenever the prisoners afi'ected to misunderstand, he was 
thrown into a spasmodic rage. 

I have spoken of the inferior quality and quantity of our food, 
but under the administration of Wurtz, we sometimes got nothing 
but bread and water. The escapes from the prison were numer- 
ous. Not less than one hundred in all, succeeded in getting 
away, but I believe all but eight were recaptured. Whenever 
an escape was discovered, Wurtz entered the prison in a towering 
passion, and with a series of frantic gestures commanded the 



SEEGEANT WITKTZ, 31 

prisoners to fall in for roll-call. The fugitive, of course, did not 
respond. The keeper then demanded to know the circumstances 
attending his escape, but the prisoners refused to answer any of 
his queries. " Tell me," he said, " or you shall never be so sorry 
in your life. I shall keep you tree tays on pred and wasser." 

" Oh, ho !" shouted a dozen voices, " Three cheers for Wurtz. 
He will keep us three days on bread and butter !" 

" No, no, you tarn villians. I say pred and wasser — wasser, 
not busser !" 

And Wurtz was as good as his word. 



CHAPTER VI. 

At one extremity of the room on the second floor, was a small 
enclosure which had formerly been used as an office, and in which 
the proprietors of the manufactory had stored a quantity of to- 
bacco, and a barrel of sweetened rum used for flavoring the same. 
The door of this mystic chamber had been nailed up, but sundry 
reconnoisances thereabout had. established the fact above noted. 
A saw was accordingly manufactured from an old case-knife, and 
with this rough implement an entrance was eff"ected and the con- 
tents of the room " confiscated" for the benefit of loyal citizens. 
I am confident that some of the prisoners appropriated a sufficient 
quantity of "Old Virginia Twist" to meet their necessities for 
many months; and as to the " sweetened rum," it is not to be 
wondered at that after such long abstinence, there should have 
been an excess of "rapture" at this unexpected — discovery. 

Sergeant Wurts was not long in ascertaining that the " tarn 
Yankees," as he invariably termed them, were in unusual " spirits," 
and upon detecting their burglary and depredations, he fell 
into a paroxysm of rage, and demanded the names of the ring- 
leaders. His investigation was unsuccessful, and, as usual, he 
determined to punish all. In this instance the sentence was quite 
severe, " Three days on bread and water, and then to be sent to 
New Orleans." This threat was fulfilled to the letter. After the 
bread and water diet, 250 of our number, (there were about 300 
in all in the first and second stories,) were shipped to the Crescent 
City. Their places were soon refilled from the general hospital, 
and by prisoners more recently taken in Western Virginia. 

Sergeant Wurtz seemed not unconscious that these acts of petty 
tyranny might one day "return to plague the inventor," and upon 
one occasion he went below, to the officers' quarters, and unbo- 
somed himself in the following fashion : 

" Vat you tink dem Yankees do, if dey get me prisoner, up 
Nort— eh?" 



32 riVE MONTHS IN REBELDOM. 

He was assured they would not hurt him, on any account. 
" Oh ! " said he, (I omit his profanity,) " I know besser. Dey 
will kill me sure ! But I shall take care dey vill no catch me — but 
if dey do (shrugging his shoulders) I am certain dey wiU kill me 
so quick — so quick, I tell you — dat I shall know notting about it 
—ugh!"' 

And that was the only opinion ever expressed by the valorous 
Sergeant, in which the prisoners seemed heartily to concur. 

The two hundred and fifty who were to be sent to New Orleans 
were composed of those who had not been wounded, together with 
such as had recovered from their injuries. Among these were 
private Conway, of Rochester, and Orderly Sergeant Joslyn, of 
Brockport, both of the 13th Regiment. Large crowds had assem- 
bled about the prison in anticipation of their departure, and as 
the prisoners were drawn up in line to be marched to the depot, 
every spectator must have been impressed by the fact that, not- 
withstanding their destitute condition — most of them being coat- 
less, and many of them hatless and shoeless — they were a far su- 
perior class of men, both in point of physical vigor and intelli- 
gence, to the poor wretches who formed their escort. This fact 
was conceded even by Confederate officers, who seemed to regard 
their private soldiers generally, with a feeling of loathing and con- 
tempt. Why? Because, in a word, they were (as a class) the 
ignorant and degraded creatures known as the "poor whites of 
the South" — a people so contaminated by the moral filth of sla- 
very as to have become the supple tools and implements of an un- 
scrupulous oligarchy. 

It was a gloomy day to all of us — yet less so than it would have 
been but for this refreshing contrast. The parting salute of our 
unfortunate comrades before evacuating the prison, was " three 
cheers for the Stars and Stripes," and the very walls and rafters 
of the old warehouse seemed to throb and quaver with the rever- 
berations. A moment afterward they were marching below, and 
as they passed the prison windows, with the firm and elastic tread 
of veteran soldiers, every form was proudly erect, and many a 
beaming glance was cast backward to the prison windows, as happy 
voices shouted a last " Grood-bye, Yankees ! We're bound for 
Dixie!" They seemed every one determined that the enemy 
should, have no occasion for exultation, and the citizens of Rich- 
mond must have looked with unaifected astonishment upon these 
manifestations of a loyal spirit, which no act of " Confederate" 
tyranny could either check or conquer. 

I may mention that among the prisoners sent to New Orleans 
was Sergeant Steward, of the 14th Brooklyn. He was a North- 
erner by birth, (a citizen of Hopedale, Mass.,) but had lived in 
Richmond, where he was employed as an agent for the Sloat Sew- 



AK UNHAPPY SEQUEL. 33 

ing Machine Company, and during his residence there he had 
formed a matrimonial engagement with a young lady of genteel 
and respectable parentage. Upon the commencement of hostili- 
ties, however, he returned to the North, and enlisted under the 
old flag. He was captured at Bull Run and imprisoned, as above 
noticed. By some means his betrothed learned of his misfortune, 
and being unable to obtain admittance to the prison, she daily ap- 
peared on the opposite side of the street, walking to and fro, and 
communicating with her lover by signs, as he stood near the 
window. 

On the day when thft prisoners were sent away she was early 
at her post, and carried in her hands a small parcel which she ev- 
idently designed to present to him ; but she was not permitted to 
approach or speak with him. and she joined the throng which fol- 
lowed the prisoners, weeping bitterly. Subsequently, we fre- 
quently saw her promenading in her accustomed place, opposite 
the prison, gazing wistfully at the window at which her lover was 
wont to appear, as though a melancholy consolation were to be 
derived from a picture ever present to her imagination. The 
prisoners were all affected by these mournful »vidences of her 
womanly devotisn, and the subject was seldom referred to except 
with expressions of the deepest sympathy for the unfortunate 
couple. 

" Had they never loved sae kindly, 
Had they never loved sae blindly. 
Never met nor never parted, 
They had ne'er been broken-hearted." 

The name of the young lady is Sarah Swards. I should have 
withheld its publication, but for the fact that a brother of Ser- 
geant Steward has written to me since uiy return, certifying to the 
truth of my original narrative of this occurrence, and giving the 
lady's name. This letter was inadvertently published, and hence 
there is no longer any occasion for the suppression of any of 
these facts. 

Chaplain Mines, of the 2d Maine Regiment, was among the 
prisoners taken at Bull Run, and was an inmate of the officers' 
quarters. He was permitted to visit the second floor for a short 
time every Sabbath, for the purpose of conducting public worship,, 
and upon one occasion, in concluding the services, he gave out the 
National Hymn "America" — 

" My country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty, 
Of thee I sing." 

It was sung by all of the prisoners, and with great feeling. Hard- 
ly had the services concluded, when the patriotic Chaplain was 

3 



84 riVE MONTHS IN REBELDOM. 

informed by the Confederate officers that they were not to be in- 
sulted by such demonstrations, and as a penalty for his misbehavior, 
he would not thereafter be allowed to pass from the officers' quar- 
ters to the second floor. 

We were thus deprived for a long time of the Chaplain's kindly 
ministrations; but this proceeding, so far from suppressing the. 
obnoxious demonstrations, rather tended to aggravate the same, 
for on the succeeding Sundays, afternoon, the boys sang not only 
"America," but the "Star Spangled Banner," and then con- 
cluded the "services" with three ringing cheers for the Stars and 
Stripes. * 

On one occasion Lieut. Emac, a West Point graduate, (one of 
the officers in charge of the post,) entered the room with his drawn 
sword, and demanded the name of the prisoner who " started the 
singing ; " whereupon a young man instantly stepped out and 
modestly remarked that he believed he was the man. Emac was 
not a little disconcerted at this proceeding, and retorted by seve- 
ral insulting expressions, calling him a Yankee coward, etc. 

To this the prisoner coolly responded that if Emac would lay 
down his weapons and "step out," he (the speaker,) would show 
him which was the best man of the two! 

The Lieutenant answered by saying that "if it was not for the 
name of the thing — of striking an unarmed man, and a prisoner 
— he would cut him down." 

This chivalric fellow was familiarly known as "Bowie Knife," 
an appellation derived from the fact that on a former occasion, he 
gravely asserted that he was in the battle of Bull Run, and there 
killed one Brigadier Grcneral. two commissioned officers and three 
privates — all with a bowie knife. He flattered himself that he 
was a terror to the Yankees, but the above anecdote aptly illus- 
trates the estimation in which he was held by "unarmed prison- 
ers." 



CHAPTER VII. 

The circumstances attending the capture of Chaplain Mines, an 
Episcopal minister (previously referred to), were somewhat pe- 
culiar. Upon entering the field he took his place in the ranks as 
a private soldier, and fought till the wounded and dying required^ 
his clerical attentions. He was taken prisoner while thus engaged,*-" 
near Falls Church. His valise, containing his surplice, service 
books, family daguerreotypes and private wardrobe, was taken 
from him, and shortly after his removal to Richmond a "brother" 
clergyman paid him a visit of condolence in the prison, and had 
the effrontery to confess that the articles which Mr, Mines had 



A PERILOUS ADVENTURE. 35 

lost, had been presented to him (the visitor), as his share of the 
trophies of the day. Mr. Mines solicited, and of course ex- 
pected, a restitution of this ecclesiastical plunder, but his rever- 
end brother bluntly declined to disgorge, remarking, that as a 
prisoner Mr. M. should be treated with all due circumspection; 
and adding that if he (the Southern Chaplain) should meet with a 
similar misfortune, he hoped he would receive an equal degree of 
consideration at the hands of the Federals. 

Mr. Mines replied that the Federal Government did not make 
■war on Confederate Chaplains, and if by chance he (the visitor) 
should be taken prisoner, he would be released with a fitting apo- 
logy for the act. He further stated that if he was himself re- 
leased before the termination of the war, he had determined to 
rejoin his regiment as a commissioned officer, and thenceforth 
make fighting the rule instead of the exception. I am happy to 
state that he has been released, and is now, I trust, in a position 
which he is so well qualified to fill. 

There was so little to relieve the monotony of prison life in the 
quarters of the private soldiers, that it was often a satisfaction to 
learn that our guard had devised some new annoyance as a pen- 
alty for wrong-doing. Escapes, as I have before stated, were 
not unfrequent, and were generally effected in broad day. The 
Confederate soldiers so often passed through the prison, that, with 
a change of guard, it was not difficult for a prisoner to counterfeit 
the dress and manner of a native, and pass the guard with impu- 
nity. It needed only a suit of gray and a slouched hat, and sun- 
dry exchanges among the prisoners completed the rig. 

Upon one occasion, while looking from the window to Hospital 
No. 2, which stood opposite our prison, I heard my name shouted, 
and glancing in the direction of the sound, I discovered my old 
comrade, Billy Hanlon. He was lying upon a cot near a win- 
dow, and was shaking at me, laughingly, the stump of his ampu- 
tated leg. I was so. thrilled by the unexpected discovery, that 
without reflecting upon the probable consequences of the act, I 
brushed by the Confederate guard, passed through the prison 
yard, entered the hospital, and soon found my way to the cot of 
my crippled comrade. After a short interview I returned in 
safety, and then learned that had not the guard supposed I was a 
Confederate soldier I would have been instantly shot down while 
passing from prigon to hospital. 

Eight of the prisoners escaped at one time, but they were all 
captured and brought back after a short interval. It was customary 
to handcuif the returned fugitives, but this method of restricting 
their liberty was without the desired effect; for as soon as the 
janitor's back was turned, fhe sJiacJdes jvere unlocked by a key which 
gome ingenious Yankee had manufactured from his beef-bone ! 



36 riVE MONTHS IX EEBELDOM. 

Nothing in the world of art or mechanism is considered beyond 
the " craft" of a Yankee who is in possession of a jack-knife and a 
bunch of shingles, but I doubt whether, in case we had obtained 
shingles instead of bones, as the chief part of our rations, they 
could have been used to a more ingenious, purpose. After the 
bones were well picked, their value was greatly enhanced, and 
they not unfrequently became "bones of contention" among the 
prisoners when the " stock" ran low. There were few indeed 
who did not soon acquire the art of manufacturing, with knife 
and file, articles of ornament or utility, such as finger-rings, 
crosses, shields, dice, tooth-picks, dominoes, shirt-studs, sleeve- 
buttons, eagles, forks, spoons, and darning needles! Hence, al- 
though very few of the prisoners were habitually profane, it was 
not unusual to find one darning his stockings, while another was 

d ing his corns. The trinkets were in great demand by the 

Confederate officers, and afforded a considerable revenue to the 
more industrious. Many a poor fellow has earned a palatable ra- 
tion by the disposal of some choice sample of his cunning handi- 
craft ; and as we were denied the solace of books, these innocent 
employments sufficed in a great measure to lessen the tedium of a 
protracted imprisonment. 

The diversions of the prisoners sometimes took the form of 
tTieatrical representations. I was informed that among the in- 
mates of Prison No. 2, (which like Hospital No. 2, was adjacent 
to our own,) there were several professional actors, who, with the 
assistance of innumerable "supes," managed to render their per- 
formances highly successful. The audience were of course upon 
a dead level, but the programme invariably required that "front 
seats" should be reserved for cripples. The drama of Ptob Roy 
was on one occasion presented to an "overflowing house." The 
Confederate officers who had consented to patronize the drama, 
were admitted at the rate of fifty cents per head. Few deadheads 
could pass the doorkeeper. The first part of the exhibition, 
Rob Roy, was highly applauded ; but the after-piece, in which the 
author had embodied a scene at Bull Run, had a very depress- 
ing efi"ect. The scene referred to illustrated the capture of a 
"Live Yankee" by ten Confederate soldiers, armed to the teeth 
with sharp sticks, and bristling with pasteboard bowies. Unfor- 
tunately for the success of the representation, the author had ma- 
liciously introduced some passages reflecting upon the gallantry 
of the Confederates. The result may be imagined. Our Con-§ 
federate "patrons" 

Stood not upon the order of their going, ut went at once, 

and ever after refused to lend their encouragement to the revival 
of even the "legitimate drama." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Shortly after my removal from the hospital to the prison, I 
was permitted through the agency of Messrs. Ely and Huson, to 
visit the officers' quarters during the day, but at night was re- 
quired to return to the second floor. This peculiar privilege was 
allowed me till, at the request of the commissioned officers gener- 
ally, my name was transferred to their own list, and I thenceforth 
became a permanent occupant of the lower room. 

There were between sixty and seventy in this department of 
the prison, ranking from Colonel to Lieutenant — the only civilians 
being Messrs. Ely and Huson of Rochester, Mr. Flagler of Vir- 
gina, and Mr. Taylor of Ohio. The public generally are familiar 
with the circumstances attending the capture of Messrs. Ely and 
Huson of Rochester. Mr. Flagler resided in the neighborhood 
of Bull Run (i. e., the battlefield), and he was arrested for har- 
boring Mr. Huson. He was a kindhearted, christian gentleman; 
but respecting his political opinions this deponent sayeth not, for 
obvious reasons. 

'Mr. Taylor was a citizen of Ohio, but was a property-holder 
in Virginia, and went thither in July to look after his estates. 
With a view to combine pleasure with business, he unfortunately 
ran out to take an observation while the battle of Bull Run was 
progressing, and was seized by the Confederates as an "alien 
enemy." He is a staunch Unionist, and during his captivity 
made no effort to repress his loyal sentiments. 

Among the more distinguished officers confined in the prison 
when I arrived, were Colonels Corcoran and De Villiers and Ma- 
jor Porter. Subsequently Colonels Lee and Cogswell, Major Re- 
vere, and soni« twenty Captains and Lieutenants were added to 
aur num'ber from Leesburg. , 

During the first two or three months of their imprisonment, the 
officers enjoyed few conveniences superior to those of the pri- 
vates ; but after receiving remittances from the North, a consid- 
erable improvement was efi"ected in this regard. Tables were 
erected, cots and blankets procured, and knives and forks were 
added to the facilities for eating. They clubbed together in 
messes, and lived chiefly at their own expense. Privates were 
employed for the culinary work, and everything, with the excep- 
tion of the meat (which was prepared in the yard), was cooked 
over the gas-burners. The prison was furnished with one cylin- 
der coal-stove, which answered only for heating purposes. 



38 FItE MONTHS IN UliBKLlJOii. 

Messrs. Ely, Corcoran and three other officers, messed together, 
and Mr. Huson with the "Highland mess," which was composed 
of officers of the 79th. My own grateful acknowledgements for 
a similar favor are due to Lieuts. Parke, Booth, Hart, Kittridge, 
and Hancock. The meals were regulai'ly served, three times per 
day, and in general the food was palatable, and though including 
few luxuries, was quite expensive. The standard bill of fare 
consisted of beef-steak and bread, (which was furnished by the 
Confederacy,) coffee, adulterated with corn, at $1,25 per pound; 
sweet potatoes, $1,50 per bushel. Our sugar cost 50c. per pound. 
Some of the messes obtained butter, which (if I remember cor- 
rectly) cost seventy-five or eighty cents per pound; hams 25 and 
30 cents. Eggs were scarce at 5 cents apiece ; nutmegs, for an 
occasional pudding, ten cents each ; whisky, on physician's "pre- 
scription," fifty cents a pint; common molasses, twenty-five cents 
per quart. 

There was a great scarcity of provisions in Richmond, and 
" Lincoln's blockade" was denounced by the rebels in unmeas- 
ured terms. Salt sold from $18 to $26 per sack; boots, from 
$20 to $26 per pair; shoes, $7 to $15 ditto; clothing was fabu- 
lously high, and very little to be obtained at any price. Confed- 
erate uniform coats sold at $50 each ; and complete suits were 
regarded cheap at $100. In the way of trimmings, yellow braid 
was substituted for gold lace, as there was none of the latter in 
market. Ordinary note paper cost two cents per sheet, and buff 
envelopes ditto. In short, ruinous prices were demanded for 
everything but cotton, and that was disgustingly plenty ! 

The origin of the Richmond Prison Association was a meeting 
of the officers to devise plans for their mutual comfort. It re- 
sulted in the election of a President and Secretary and the or- 
ganization of a society under the above title, whose regular meet- 
ings were held weekly. Hon. Alfred Ely was the presiding offi- 
cer, and Mr. Edwin Taylor the Secretary. The first order of 
business was the election of candidates, who were formally intro- 
duced in a speech from the "page," (Lieut. Hart,) and were 
afterwards requested to respond, which they usually did by re- 
counting the manner of their capture, etc. The "test question" 
was then put — "What did you come down here for?" and then 
the fun commenced in earnest. 

The following song, composed by the "page," (Lieut. Hart,) 
was sung in the prison every evening, to the tune of "Poor Pil- 
grim:" 

Come, fellow prisoners, let's join in song; 
Our stay in this prison, it won't be long. 

Chorus — Roll on, roll on, sweet moments roll on, 

And let the poor prisoner go home, go home. 



A PfilSON DOGGEBEL. 39 

Our friends at home have made a demand, 
To have returned this patriot band. 
(Chorus and repeat.) 

The public press they are bound to obey, 
For from the people they receive their pay. 
(Chorus and repeat.) 

Congressman Ely is first on the list; 
He'll soon be there, our friends to assist. 
(Chorus and repeat.) 

And give to his mind its widest range. 

To "spread himself" on the theme of exchange. 

(Chorus and repeat.) „ 

This is the way I long have sought, 
'And mourned because I found it not. 

(Chorus and repeat.) •«. 

If you get there before I do, 
Look out for me, for I'm coming too. 
(Chorus and repeat.) 

For now that the thing has got a start, 

They have concluded to send old Hart. 

Roll on, roll on, sweet moments roll on, 
And let the poor prisoner go home, go home. 

The enchanting effect with which this mellifluous and affecting 
production was rendered by the united voices of the Association, 
usually attracted a lai'ge crowd of citizens to the prison windows ; 
and it was the general conviction of the inmates that the nation 
had lost a brilliant poet in winning a gallant soldier. 

The sessions of the society were highly entertaining and its 
records are worthy of preservation. Mr. Ely, I understand, has 
in his possession a report of the proceedings taken by himself, 
including sketches of the speeches, &c., which he proposes soon 
to publish, in connection with his own experiences of prison life. 

I need not dwell upon the incidents of our prison life, many of 
which, however, I think would bear repetition. I shall relate 
but a single one in this connection, as an illustration of the prov- 
erb that truth is stranger than fiction. 

I have before stated that some of the private soldiers, from the 
upper rooms, were employed in the officers' quarters, a service 
which they gladly accepted as affording superior rations. Among 
these was Corporal M n of New York, a young man of weal- 
thy parentage, of attractive manners, good intellectual endow- 
ments, and withal "handsome as Apollo." 

At the request of some of the officers he was occasionally per- 
mitted to visit the lower floor, and upon one occasion was allowed 



40 rrvE Mo^fiHs ijt bebeldom. 

to leave the prison on parole, for the purpose of purchasing sup- 
plies. While thus passing through one of the main thorough- 
fares, M n was accosted by a little girl, who presented him 

with a boquet, at the same time pointing to a young lady on the 
opposite side of the street, as the donor. The Corporal acknowl- 
edged the gift by a polite bow, and proceeded upon his mission; 
The Jady, apparently fascinated, followed him at a distance, to 
the prison, and as he entered it, reciprocated his salute, and 
leisurely walked away. 

For some inexplicable cause the Corporal was not again per- 
mitted to go out, and a negro, — I should have mentioned that 
quite a number (ofl&cers' servants) were in the prison — was des- 
patched in his stead. The negro had not proceeded far, when he 
was met by the young lady referred to, and the sequel to their in- 
terview was developed in a package with which he returned to 

the officers' quarters, and delivered to Corporal M n. It was 

found on examination to contain a neiv suit of clothes, and upon 
one garment was pinned a small card, neatly inscribed with the 
name of hia benefactress — 

" Only this, and nothing more." 

Corporal M n instantly addressed himself to the task of 

epistolary composition, in which he gracefully acknowledged the 
receipt of the gift, and expressed his heartfelt thanks. This was 
delivered by the negro on the day following, and he returned 
with a package containing a number of pocket-handkerchiefs, 
socks and shirts ! 

As in the first instance, the only communication which accom- 
panied the gift was the donor's card. The Corporal again ac- 
knowledged his obligations by a polite note, which was duly de- 
livered through the same medium. 

Thenceforth the Corporal was in daily receipt of the choicest 
dainties, and a regular epistolatory correspondence was carried 
on until the day of his release, which occurred on the 3d of Jan- 
uary. A matrimonial engagement had been made during the in- 
terval, with the understanding that the parties would meet in Bal- 
timore on the 1st of March next. 

I have omitted to state that the Corporal had been sent back to 
his old quarters, but having ascertained that his fair inamorata 
daily promenaded within view of the officers' quarters, he ob- 
tained employment below as cook, and was thereafter unfailingly 
at his post to reciprocate the loving smiles of his betrothed. 

She had sent him her daguerreotype, which he frequently exhib- 
ited to me. It was a lovely image, and one that would have re- 
quired no "collateral" inducement to carry captive the most 
frigid or lethargic fancy. I learned that she Was of a wealthy 



1 PAfiflJJd SCfiNtl. 41 

family, and of as "good blood'' as was to be found among the 
F. F. V.'s, and her letters, I was assured, evinced that she was 
no less intelligent than refined. 

When the glad tidings of our release came, the name of Corpo- 
ral M n was found in the list. This intelligence was quickly 

conveyed to his yearning admirer, and he expected once more to 
see or communicate with her before leaving Richmond. We saw 
nothing of her, however, as we marched through the streets of 
Richmond, though the Corporal's longing vision was strained at 
every animate object. 

But when a halt was ordered, a fine carriage, driven by a negro, 
suddenly made its appearance, and stopped at a short distance 
from our ranks. A lady descended — there was a brief, but ear- 
nest colloquy among the Confederate officers of our guard — and 

the next moment the enraptured twain (Corporal M n and his 

romantic affianced) stood face to face ! A few words, the first 
they had ever exchanged in person, were hurriedly spoken, in sub- 
dued, yet melting tones ; the engagement was sacredly renewed — 
their faces were for a moment lighted, as with a flame — there was 
a fervent, thrilling pressure of their hands, and they separated ! 

A circumstance is connected with the daguerreotype, above 
referred to, which deserves a passing notice. Before it left the 
prison, the picture was taken from the case, and a small slip of 
paper, closely written, and addressed to Gren. McClellan, was de- 
posited therein, and the daguerreotype then replaced. On reach- 
ing Washington the paper was safely delivered to the commander- 
in-chief, a meeting of the Cabinet was called, and the day follow- 
ing there was a leak stopped — a mysterious leak, from high official 
circles, and which had inestimably benefited the rebels for many 
months. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The question of "exchange" was naturally uppermost in the 
mind of every prisoner, and was at intervals au untiring theme 
of discussion. One had but to lisp the word, and a crowd of his 
associates was instantly gathered about him, canvassing the subject 
with as muct interest and energy as though it were newly broached, 
and extracting fresh encouragement from every sage or emphatic 
observation predicting a speedy release. 

It was our first impression that we would be detained but for a 
few days ; that the Federal Government only needed to be ap- 
prised of our situation, and our numbers, to proffer the requisite 
exchanges from the prisoners in its own custody. This opinion 
at length yielded to the belief that another advance was contem- 
plated, and that our own destiny depended, iu a great measure. 



42 i'lVE MONTHS IN REBELDOAf. 

upon the result of a second battle. A new apprehension here 
presented itself, for it was openly threatened by the rebels that, 
in the event of their defeat at Manassas, the Union prisoners 
would be assassinated by the Confederate soldiers in Richmond ! 
I confess that I had less fear of the Richmondites than of a 
reckless, infuriated and retreating army. 

It will be borne in mind that certain of the Richmond press 
were particularly hostile to the prisoners. When it was rumored 
that Colonel Brown of Fort Pickens meditated an attack upon the 
navy-yard at Pensacola, several of the more influential of the 
Southern journals earnestly advocated the policy of tilling the 
navy-yard with Union prisoners; arguing that Brown would then 
be compelled either to sacrifice his own friends or to altogether 
withhold an attack. 

But harrassed by such repor^^, we still remained in Richmond, 
and as the weary days and weeks were added to our confinement, 
without affording the slightest prospect of a release, the most 
hopeful became disheartened. The ofiicial indiflerence mani- 
fested at Washington toward us seemed unaccountable. We 
could not understand why the Grovernment was unwilling even to 
meliorate the condition of men who had fought honorably in its 
defence, and had thus not only become prisoners, but were known 
to be actually suffering from the want of food and clothing. Yet 
notwithstanding these discouragements, I believe that at no period 
would any member of the Richmond Prison Association have 
consented to receive his discharge at the sacrifice of a single prin- 
ciple involving the national honor. And these reflections lead me 
to the narration of the most painful chapter of my prison experi- 
ence — viz: the illness and death of Calvin Huson, Jr. 

Mr. Huson was at the time of his capture in feeble health. 
The fatigues of the day had so nearly exhausted his physical 
powers that he was obliged to seek temporary rest and shelter at 
the farm house of Mr. Flagler, near Centerville. Had he been 
aware, as he afterward informed me, that it was a place of danger, 
he would have pushed forward at any cost, and could have easily 
effected his escape. He was taken prisoner on the morning of 
Tuesday, the 23d of July, the second day following the battle, 
and was instantly conveyed to Manassas, and after a few days de- 
tention, to Richmond, where he was placed in Prison No. 1. 
When I first saw him, seven weeks after his capture, he had very 
perceptibly changed. He had lost that healthful glow of counte- 
nance and the "judicial plumpness" of figure, which I had form- 
erly observed, and his habitual expression was one of settled 
melancholy. It was plain to perceive that he was suffering from 
serious ill health, and though endeavoring to appear easy, pleasant 



MR. HTJSOn's ILLNESS. 43 

and unconcerned, in his social intercourse, this was evidently 
accomplished with much effort. 

During my first conversation with him, he adverted, with a 
feeling of deep anxiety to the probable distress of his family at 
his unexpected misfortune, and to the unsettled state of his private 
business affairs. He looked forward to his examinAion, how- 
ever, with the utmost confidence, feeling satisfied that he would 
not be unduly detained by the rebel government a moment after 
he had been aftorded a hearing. But in this he was sadly mis- 
taken, and it was, perhaps, owing to the unchangeable conviction 
of his mind that he was soon to receive his discharge, that he was 
so overwhelmed by the announcement to the contrary. 

His examination took place before C. S. Commissioner at Rich- 
mond on the 18th of September, as I find by reference to my 
Diary. He was then quite ill, though not confined to his bed. 
The decision of the Commissioner, which was for several days 
withheld, was announced to Mr. Huson by Gen. Winder, and was 
briefly to the effect that he would be held as a prisoner of war. 
Though this was a severe blow to Mr. Huson, he bore it with 
unaffected dignity and resignation. 

About the 28th of September his health began rapidly to de- 
cline, and from that time forward he was constantly confined to 
his bed. His disease was pronounced to be typhoid fever. Dr. 
E. Gr. Higginbotham was his physician, and was unremitting in 
professional attentions, but evidently— and as Mr. Huson himseir 
assured me — "the Doctor did not understand his case." All 
in the ofiicers' quarters deeply sympathised with him, and would 
have made any sacrifice in their power for his restoration. 

Mr. Ely was likewise kindly attentive, and subsequently ob- 
tained his removal to the residence of Mrs. John Van Lew. Had 
this transfer been effected at an earlier date, the unfortunate man 
would have been spared much needless suffering. The incessant 
noise 'and confusion upon the second floor was a source of con- 
stant disquiet to the patient, and rendered it impossible for him 
to sleep ; yet Mr. Ely's request for his removal was disregarded 
until within five days of his death. 

Prior to this I was frequently at the bedside of the sufferer, and 
watched with him three consecutive nights. He conversed a great 
deal, and to that end expressed a wish that he might constantly 
have a companion, saying that he wanted " to talk to some one, 
or to have some one talk to him." His mind usually reverted to 
his home, and often dwelt upon topics of public interest in Roch- 
ester. In reviewing his own official career as District Attorney, 
he adverted freely to the more important trials — the Ira Stout case, 
etc. Alluding to another important trial, and one which created 
a remarkable sensation at the time, he spoke of it as the most 



44 , I'lY:fi MOKTSS IN EEBELDOM. 

earnestly contested case in which he ever participated, and con- 
fessed to the deep mortification he had experienced at his defeat. 
He said that his convictions of the guilt of the party had under- 
gone no change. 

Another significant remark may with propriety be quoted here. 
Respecting the hardships of close confinement to one who had for- 
merly enjoyed the most perfect freedom and active habits of life, 
he felt that in his position as District Attorney he had not appre- 
ciated the feelings of the criminals whom he had convicted, Avhen 
arraigned to receive their sentences ; and he felt that were he ever 
again to occupy the position of prosecuting attorney — though, if 
convinced of the guilt of the accused, it would be his duty to labor 
for his conviction — he would nevertheless recommend him to the 
mercy of the court. It was his consolation to know that he had 
never striven to convict a prisoner whom he believed to be inno- 
cent of the charge. On the other hand, he assured me, that in 
cases of this character, where he had become fully convinced of 
the guiltlessness of the accused, he had adjourned the case, con- 
sulted with the defendant's attorney, and given him the advanta- 
ges of his own discoveries. 

Mr. Huson early confessed to an apprehension that he would 
not recover. He said there was something in the atmosphere of 
Rebeldom that poisoned his whole being. At a later period, and 
when quite low, he expressed the opinion that if he could but once 
more reach his home, or even once more stand under the flag of 
the United States, "he would become a well man. Mr. Huson 
conversed much upon the subject of religion, and I believe that he 
died in the Christian faith. I frequently approached his couch, 
under the supposition that he was asleep, and found him to be 
engaged in earnest and heartfelt prayer. During the latter pai-t 
of his illness his mind frequently wandered, and he expressed to 
me a fear that should he recover his health, his mental faculties 
would remain impaired. In his lucid intervals he was ahvays 
tranquil, for he had fortified himself against the worst event, and 
seemed only to grieve for his family. And thus by degrees — 

" He faded, and so calm, so meek, 
So softly worn, so sweetly weak, 
So tearless, yet so tender, kind, 
And grieved for those he left behind. 

******* 
"A little talk of better days, 
A little, our own hopes to raise; 
Yet not a word of nmrmur, not 
A groan o'er his untimely lot." 

I cannot forbear mentioning here, to the everlasting disgrace 
and infamy of Capt. Gribbs, the (Confederate) officer of the post, 



1)EATH AND BUEIAL 0? ME. HTTSOK. 45 

that on the day of Mr. Huson's removal to the house of Mrs. 
Van Lew, he was required to sig-n a parol of honor not to attempt 
an escape. Though suffering from extreme exhaustion, unable to 
sit up in bed, and regarded by all his fellow prisoners as a dying 
man, he was yet compelled by the rebel officer to execute this 
parol. In order to do this, two of his fellow prisoners assisted to 
raise him up, and the paper was duly subscribed. It was happily 
the last "duty" which Mr. Huson was required to perform. 

The sufferer was very kindly cared for in the family of Mrs. 
Van Lew, and Dr. Higginbotham was, as usual, faithful and un- 
tiring in his professional attentions. But deprived of the society 
of his familiar friends, and practically cut off from the sympathies 
which had buoyed him up during his prison confinement, the 
sufferer rapidly declined ; and on the morning of the 14th of Oc- 
tober, Mr. Ely received a brief note from Mrs. Van Lew, announ- 
cing that his friend was at the point of death. Mr. Ely repaired 
as speedily as possible to the house, but before his arrival Mr. 
Huson had expired. 

Thetfuneral was attended from the house of Mrs. Van Lew, by 
the Rev. Dr. Mines, officiating clergyman, and Mr. Ely. The re- 
mains had, by order of Mr. Ely, been placed in a metallic burial 
case, and were interred in the Protestant Cemetery, near the Gen- 
eral Hospital. 

The only letter addressed to Mr. Huson, which ever reached 
Richmond, was delivered to Mr. Ely on the day following Mr. 
Huson's decease. 

Soon after his death, a special meeting of the Prison Associa- 
tion was held, and suitable notice taken of the event. Addresses 
were made by Messrs. Ely, Flagler of Va, Mines of Maine, Church 
of Rhode Island, Taylor of Ohio, and others. The Masonic Fra- 
ternity, of which Mr. Huson was a member, was represented in 
the persons of several prisoners. I present the resolutions which 
they adopted : 

F. A. M. 

Whereas, The members of the fraternity of Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, who are prisoners of war in the city of Kichmond, Virginia, have 
heard with deep regret of the death of Calvin Huson, Jr., Esq., a Eoyal 
Arch Mason of distinguislied standing in the city of Rochester, N. Y., 
and late our fellow prisoner: Therefore, 

Resolved, That we convey to the wife and family of the deceased, our 
sincere sympathy in their bereavement; feeling that, as they have lost 
the devoted husband and father, so we mourn one who was an able man, 
a warm-hearted brother, and an ornament to our Order. 

Resolved, That it is our duty to send our testimony to the brethren 
who were connected with the Lodge and Chapter of our deceased bro- 
ther, as to our appreciation of his noble qualities of head and heart. 

Resolved, That the Rev. Bro. Mines be requested to transmit these 
resolutions to the family of the deceased, and to our brethren at home 



46 FIVE MONTHS IN REBELDOM. 

with the request that they be published, as a testimony on our part of 
the high esteem in which brother Huson was held. 

Comp. JOHN F. MINES. I qj^^^^^^^ 
Grand Chaplain of G. L. of -Maine, J 
Comp. M. A. Parke, Excelsior Chapter No. 12, Michigan, Sec^y. 
KicHMOND, Va., Oct. 19th, 1861. 

The Brethren F. A. M. convened on the 19th of October, were the 
following, viz : 

Comp. Rev. John F. Mines, Chaplain 2d Maine. 
" Lieut. M. A. Parke, 1st Michigan. 
" Capt. William Manson, 79th N. Y. S. M. 
" Lieut. Thomas B. Glover. 4th Maine, 
Broth. Lieut. Eobert Campbell, 79th N. Y. S. M, 
«' Samuel Irwin, 2d N. Y. S. M. 

" Assistant Sergeant "William B. Fletcher, 6th Indiana. 
EiCHMOND, Nov. 5th,- 1861. 

The loss of Mr. Huson was unfeignedly mourned by all of the 
prisoners, for as a community in misfortune they had fitly appre- 
ciated the companionship of one whose high personal worth com- 
mended him to the sincere affection of every member. 

" Eternal spirit of the chainless mind. 
Brightest in prison. Liberty, thou art! 
For there thy habitation is the heart — 
The heart, which love of thee alone can bind; 
And when thy sons to prisons are consigned, 
********* 
Their country conquers with their martyrdom, 
And Freedom's fame finds wings on every wind ! " 



CHAPTER X. 

No menagerie was ever regarded with more general interest 
and curiosity in a country village, than were the Union prisoners 
in the tobacco warehouses of Richmond. They were the standard 
attraction of people of both sexes, all ages, and every variety of 
shade. On Sundays, more especially, the citizens turned out in 
squads, and from morning till night, the street was blockaded 
with eager spectators. The windows of our prison were low, 
and though grated, a fair glimpse could be obtained of the inmates 
without tip-toe exertion. 

The prevailing expression of the crowd was one of intense 
satisfaction, but there was an occasional glance of sympathy from 
some of their number that secretly spoke volumes in our behalf. 

Some of the Union officers wonld insist upon "stirring up the 
animals," that we might " make sport for the Philistines." Mr. Ely 
was designated as the "elephant," but as he had lost his trnnlc at 
Bull Run, he had no disposition to appear on exhibition before the 
deriding savages, notwithstanding frequent bids among the chiv- 



HOX. ALFEED ELY. 47 

alric gentry: "TVhere's the Little Man with the Big Head? I 
reckon I"d like to see him, and I'll give you ten dollars if you'll 
sho^y him up !"' The prison exchequer was low, but Mr. Ely 
entertained too mild an appreciation of Confederate currency to 
yield to the temptations which beset him. 

One of the Union officers who had a taste for penciling, favored 
us with an illustration of the scene attending 3Ir. Ely"s capture, 
as described by himself. The unfortunate 5l. C. appeared in the 
foreground, surrounded by numerous "masked batteries," which 
were belching all manner of leaden and fiery missiles, and to his 
evident discomfiture and alarm. In the background of the picture 
appeared the form of a " solitary horserftan," bristling with wrath 
and bowies, and holding in one hand a monstrous revolver. He 
was in the act of demanding from the Congressman a surrender 
of his freedom or his life, and as discretion is the better part of 
valor, Mr. Ely diligently complied. 

Mr. E!v- received many visitors of distinction, including the 
redoubted Wigfall, Porcher Miles, Marshall and Breckinridge of 
Kentucky, Bishop Doane of South Carolina, and the celebrated 
Paul Morphy of Xew Orleans. The visit of the chess champion 
of the world might have been susceptible of an ironical interpre- 
tation, in view of our splendid opportunities at the prison window 
cross-bars. Mr. Breckinridge, I believe, expressed much sym- 
pathy for Mr. Ely, and engaged to use his best influence for his 
release. 

About the time Mason and Slidell were captured, Mr. Ely be- 
came quite uneasy. It was understood a member of the Federal 
Congress proposed to confine these distinguished conspirators in 
dungeons, as hostages for Colonel Corcoran and others, and Mr. 
Ely naturally feared that in case this was done he would himself 
be compelled to accept of a similar compliment to his personal 
distinction. He accordingly dispatched Confederate Commissary 
Warner to "President" Davis, with a request to ascertain what 
he (Mr. Davis) thought his (Mr. Ely's) "chances" were. The 
Commissary fulfilled his mission, and returned with his tidings. 
He was met by Mr. Ely with s, spring of joyful anticipation. 

"Well,'" said the messenger. "I called upon the President as 
you requested and asked him what he thought your chances were." 

"Yes — yesi" exclaimed the 31. C, impatiently, "and what 
did 3Ir. Davis reply?" 

"Why — why — his reply was, *Well, Mr. Commissary, do you 
mean in this world or the next?' " 

Mr. Ely winced slightly under a retort so uncourteous and so 
unexpected, but soon recovered his equanimity under the reflec- 
tion, probably, that he might one day reciprocate the bogus Pres- 
ident's politeness, either "in this world or the next" — provided, 



48 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELD05I. 

of course, that Jeff, should in due season arrive at the steol of 
repentance. 

A pleasant episode one day occurred pending an interesting 
discussion among the prisoners on the subject of exchange. Mr. 
Ely was citing some unquestioned authority in relation to "what 
constitutes a belligerent?" when he suddenly espied among his 
outside listeners the dilapidated visage of a depreciated darkey, 
peering in at the windows. The speaker instantly dismissed the 
case in hand, and proceeded to "knock down" the chattel to the 
highest bidder. The purchaser, I believe, was Lieutenant Hart, 
at the round sum of $ 1 ,400. I seriously doubt whether the negro 
would have brought fourteen cents upon any block outside of the 
prison jurisdiction, a fitting commentary upon the financial ability 
and tact of a Northern member of Congress, who had been exposed 
but a few weeks to the slavery and secession virus. 

There were many Southerners who cherished a vindictive hatred 
of the Federal Congressman- and would, had they possessed the 
power, have sacrificed his life as unhesitatingly as they secured 
his person. In illustration of this fact I may state that on one 
occasion he very narrowly escaped the penalty at which I Jiave 
hinted, and which would have settled the question of " exchange," 
so far as he was personally concerned, beyond controversy. 

The circumstances of the affair may be briefly stated. Dr. 
Higginbothani had called upon Mr. Ely with the request* that he 
would visit a wounded prisoner in the adjacent hospital. The 
patient had expressed a wish to see him, and Mr. Ely accordingly 
complied. As they left the oihcers' quarters, and were proceed- 
ing quietly in the direction of the hospital, they were observed 
by a Southerner of the class to which I have referred. As he 
recognized the Congressman, he exclaimed, " There goes that 

abolitionist, Ely! I'll kill him, by -!" and drawing 

a revolver he started on a rapid walk in pursuit. Fortunately for 
Mr. Ely, however, the threat of the fire-eater had been overheard 
by Capt. Gibbs, the rebel officer of the post, and he sprang after 
and overtook the would-be assassin before he had reached the 
other party. He immediately placed him under arrest, and led 
him away. Mr. Ely was happily unconscious of the peril in 
which he had been placed, and did not learn of it until three 
days afterward. 

I have previously remarked that escapes from th« prison were 
frequent, but the fugitives were almost invariably captured and 
brought, back and subsequently sent further south. 

In view, therefore, of the uncertainties attending this proceed- 
ing, many hesitated to attempt it, but in one instance a plan of 
escape was devised, which had it been carried out, I. think would 
have resulted successfully. Mr. Ely htid offered to pay the sum 



THE REBEL EAN& AND FILE. 49 

of $5,000 to any one who would "put him through" in safety, 
and this proposition had been accepted by Dr. Griswold. The 
latter enjoyed a standing parol, and was not long in search- 
ing out the right man for the undertaking. The person thus 
selected was an experienced engineer, who had been for many 
years employed on the James River and knew its every crook 
and inlet, and every forest upon its banks. It was determined to 
adopt this route, and it was thought that the voyage could be so 
timed that the party would travel only during the night and by 
day could find safe refuge in the forests. A suitable boat was 
accordingly procured, ample provisions were laid in store, the 
oars were muffled and all things were in readiness for the expe- 
dition, which was to start on the night following the completion 
of these arrangements. The party was to consist of four, but on 
the day preceding the night on which they were to leave the 
prison, Dr. Griswold was arrested and sent to New Orleans, 
where he soon after died, and the project was abandoned. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Many requests have been made to me that I should give some 
description of the personnel, discipline and general character of 
the rebel forces, so far as they came under my observation. My 
opportunities for such inspection were exceedingly limited, but I 
found occasion for the following impressions. 

Regiments of Confederate soldiers frequently marched by the 
prison, destined for the field, and others were encamped about 
the city. The flower of the Southern army appeared to be in 
their cavalry forces, who were generally fine looking men, well 
mounted, graceful and spirited riders, and exceedingly well 
equipped. I was informed that they were chiefly representatives 
of the more wealthy families of the South. They were severally 
armed with carbine, revolvers, bowie-knife and saber. 

The infantry, as a class, appeared to be less refined — in short, 
ignorant, unmannerly and brutal. Their prevailing physical 
characteristics indicated superior stature, sallowness of complex- 
ion, wiriness of frame, and a striking tendency to stoop-shoulders. 
They were poorly clad, and seemed to have an astonishing disre- 
gard of personal cleanliness. I seldom noticed any two mem- 
bers of a single company who were dressed alike. This was 
often a subject of remark among the Union prisoners, some of 
whom facetiously ofi"ered a standing premium for a discovery to 
the contrary. We had frequent opportunities of measuring their 
proficiency in drill and general tactics as compared with that of 
our own soldiers. Few seemed to understand their company 
4 



50 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOlt. 

positions ; the manoeuvering was generally awkward in the ex- 
treme, and they marched with a slouching swagger which afforded 
lively recollections of a "general training" in the rural districts of 
New' York. 

Their habits indicated excessive indolence, and a love of tobacco 
and whisky that v^^as all absorbing. Their arms in general con- 
sisted of the old U. S. flint lock musket, ("Floyd pattern,") and 
double-barreled shot-guns. In fact, all sorts of blunderbusses 
seemed to have been called into requisition. 

While thus presenting facts derived from my own observation, 
I do not by any means assume that they are characteristic of the 
entire Southern army, but I think most of my comrades will bear 
me out in. the assertion that some of the "military parades" which 
we witnessed in the rebel capital, quite partook of the nature of 
a raree show, the component parts of which were burlesque "Fu- 
sileers" and fantastic "Bologna Guards." 

The demeanor of the rebel s«ldiers towards the prisoners, as 
they marched by our quarters, was often insulting in the extreme. 
We were frequently attracted to the windows by such shouts as 
" Good bye, Yankees ; we'll soon send you more company !" etc. 
There were occasional retorts from the prisoners, and some 
observations respecting the possibility of their own (the rebels') 
defeat and capture, and these remarks, in turn, never failed to 
elicit from the enemy an eruption of slang, and specimen oaths. 
Indeed, the habit of profane swearing seemed positively indige- 
nous to the "sacred soil," and was an intellectual pastime to which 
few of the natives were not addicted beyond the hope of reclama- 
tion. The unexpected sight of a live Yankee, was often provo- 
cative of the most wicked blasphemy imaginable. 

Sickness prevailed in the Southern {<,rmy to an alarming extent, 
and I was credibly informed that almost every unoccupied build- 
ing in Richmond had been converted into a hospital, and filled 
with invalid soldiers from Manassas. 

To such a strait was the " Confederacy" reduced for prison 
accommodations for even their own men, (held to answer charges 
of insubordination, etc.,) that they were frequently confined in 
the Union officers' quarters. Col. Adler of the "Wise Legion" 
Avas there for a time, an inmate of Prison No. 1. He 'had been 
arrested upon a charge of refusing to execute an order for retreat 
from the erratic and "invincible" Wise, and had been sentenced 
by the irascible General to be shot. The Colonel attempted to 
avoid the disgraceful penalty by cutting his own throat with his 
sword. The wound did not prove fatal, and he was conveyed io 
Prison No. 1. His case excited the sympathy of the Union offi- 



A VIRGINIA QITAKEK. 51 

cers, who felt that he was a better officer and a better man than 
Wise, and was indeed 

"The noblest Roman of them all;" 

and accordingly the officers treated him with much courtesy and 
consideration. But these fraternal manifestations were exceed- 
ingly ill-timed. The intimacy being observed by the Confederate 
authorities, Col. Adler was removed to the Richmond jail, prob- 
ably on account of a suspicion that he might divulge something of 
importance to the "enemy." . The Union officers were thus de- 
prived of a clever associate, and one who eventually might have 
become a hopeful convert. 

Among the ''alien enemies" who were sent to the officers' 
quarters was an elderly Quaker, familiarly known as Father Pan- 
cost. He was a Virginian, and one of the few residing in the 
infected districts, who had had the hardihood to freely express his 
loyal sentiments in the midst of almost universal defection. The 
charge upon which he was arrested was of rather a novel charac- 
ter. He was the owner of a pet pigeon, which upon one occasion 
he was detected in conveying from his barn to his house. The 
"Confederate" inference was that it was no other than a carrier 
pigeon, which was regularly employed in transmitting treasonable 
messages to Washington ! Hence the arrest and incarceration of 
Mr. Pancost. What became of his pigeon I am unable to state. 

Father Pancost was a good natured, amiable gentleman, whose 
"thees" and "thous" imparted a pleasant charm to his conversa- 
tion and rendered him at all times an agreeable companion. 
Among his many sterling virtues he possessed but a single weak- 
ness, but it was a weakness in which there was strength, and 
under the circumstances, quite excusable. Approaching me one 
day, shortly after his arrival, he inquired — "Friend, does thee 
know whether I can obtain any whisky from the keepers of this 
prison?" 

I informed him that if he was ill, and could procure a whisky- 
prescription from one of the surgeons, it was not unlikely that 
he could obtain the liquor. 

"But does thee think, friend, that I can obtain two quarts of 
whisky?" 

I considered it rather doubtful, on the strength of a single pre- 
scription, but suggested that if he was frequently sick and could 
obtain as frequent prescriptions, he might in due course of time 
procure quantum suff. 

This ended our conversation. The day following I discovered 
Father Pancost standing at the head of his cot — or in the place 
where his cot ought to be, for in truth he had none — and eleva- 
ting to his lips a quart bottle. After an apparently generous 



52 J-IVE MOXTKS IN EEBELDOltf. 

potation he replaced it in his satchel, which hung against the 
wall, and walked away. It is perhaps due to myself to say that 
this proceeding was observed by other prisoners, and as soon as 
the old gentleman had gone to another part of the room some 
person or persons to Father Pancost unknown, slyly abstracted 
the bottle, clandestinely extracted its contents, refilled it with 
water, and returned it to its original place. 

In the course of his promenade, Father Pancost encountered 
Mr. Ely, and after a brief interchange of sentiment, informed 
him of his acquisition, and invited the M. C. to test its qualities — an 
invitation which the latter did not. consider it expedient to de- 
cline. The bottle was once more taken from the satchel, and Mr. 
Ely proceeded to uncork, the Quaker meantime expatiating 
upon the superior merit of the distillation. The luxury of glasses 
being quite unknown, the Congressman inverted the bottle in 
primitive style, and for some time held it to his lips, staring at his 
companion with an expression of mingled resentment and sur- 
prise, as being puzzled to determine whether he was the victim of 
an accident or a " sell." The scene was decidedly comic, and 
Mr. Ely was brought to a realizing sense of his predicament by 
the smothered cachinnations of the lookers-on. Recovering his 
self-possession, and smacking his lips with apparent relish, he 
politely resigned the bottle and expeditiously retired. 

Father Pancost was no^ insensible to the singularity of this 
behavior, but it was fully explained as soon as he made a requi- 
sition upon his own account. Glancing around the room and 
assuring himself that he was unobserved, he gravely (not to say 
soberly) replaced the bottle in his satchel, and rejoined his asso- 
ciates with an expression of perfect unconcern. 

The sequel to this amusing occurrence was reserved for the 
evening. The fellow lodger of Father Pancost, or rather the 
prisoner who slept nearest him, was Lieut. Hooper, of Philadel- 
phia, a^ gentleman who had maintained the character of being an 
uncompromising Teetotaller. He had scarcely retired for the night 
when he was confronted by the stern and reproachful visage of 
the defrauded Quaker, who with perfect deliberation and in the 
severest accents delivered himself of the following homily. 

"Friend, if thee took my bottle from my satchel and then 
drank my whisky, thee didst very bad ; but if thee drank the 

whisky and then filled the bottle with water, thee didst very 

d — d — decidedly bad!" 

And Father Pancost turned away without waiting for any res- 
ponse, 

"D him!" said Hooper, the next morning, "he knows 

that I never drink!" 



FEDERAL PRISONEES. 53 

A less pleasant and acceptable companion than either Colonel 
Adler or Father Gleason was forced upon us by the Confederates 
in the person of Lieutenant Charles Van Grilson, a deserter from, 
the Sickles Brigade. He had voluntarily entered the lines of tlie 
rebel army, and given himself up with the declaration that he 
would no longer fight for the Yankees, and had come over ;'to 
tender his services to the Confederate Grovernment. The mili- 
tary authorities distrusted these assertions, and suspecting that 
he was a spy, sent him to Richmond for temporary confinement, 
and he was placed in the officers' quarters, in Prison No. 1. Sup- 
posing himself to be in the presence of Confederate officers, he 
repeated in'substance his former declarations. The efi"ect of this 
disclosure must have been anything but a pleasant surprise to the 
renegade. So highly exasperated were the officers, upon hearing 
his story, that he was immediately surrounded and seized — and a 
rope called for. I have no doubt whatever that if a rope could 
have been conveniently procured, the deserter would have as 
speedily met the fate he so richly merited. He however called 
loudly upon the guard, who entered and took him away. He was 
then sent to a prison occupied by private soldiers. By some 
chance they had been informed of the character of their uninvi- 
ted guest, and scarcely five minutes had elapsed from the time of 
his entry, when he was assaulted by some of the prisoners, who 
bruised and kicked him, and were engaged in dragging him about 
the floor when he was again rescued by the guard. Of this fact 
I was assured by a Confederate officer. Van Grilson afterwards 
received a commission in the rebel army, and was sent to Ken- 
tucky. I read a notice of his promotion in the Richmond Dis- 
patch. 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Richmond papers frequently boasted of accessions to their 
army from the Union prisoners. To what extent these declara- 
tions were true, I am unable to say, but the following list was 
prepared by a Union prisoner, who was for a time employed upon 
the prison records in Richmond : 

William Clark, private. Company K, Third New Jersey Vol- 
unteers. 

William Roach, private. Company D, Second Artillery, United 
States Army. 

Michael Kelly, private, Company D, Second ArtiUery, United 
States Army. 

Charles Tracy, Corporal, Company G, First Regiment, Sickles' 
Brigade. 



54 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELBOM. 

Charles Van Gilson, Second Lieutenant, First Regiment, 
Sickles' Brigade. 

W. Sherry, private. Company B, Twenty-sixth New York 
Volunteers. 

L. Briggs, private. Company B, Twenty-sixth New York Vol- 
unteers. 

J. A. Tompkins, Second United States Cavalry. 

T. B. Remington, Thirtieth New York Volunteers. 

Ernest Hale, (Commodore's Clerk,) United States steamer 
Pawnee. (This is the individual who decamped with the signal 
books, while Commodore Dupont's fleet rendezvoused at Hampton 
Roads.) 

Wm. Hooper, private. Company K, Thirty-eighth New York 
Volunteers. 

Barron Von Flaxhousen, Lieutenant, Company H, Forty-fifth 
New York Volunteers. 

Robert McFarlans, Corporal, Company D, First United States 
Artillery. 

A. F. Saulsbury, private. Fourth Regiment, Maine. 

M. F. Sidlinger, Corporal, Company H, Fourth Regiment, 
Maine. 

Francis Tapoy, private, Company J), First United States Ar- 
tillery. 

Mathias Spoo, musician. Fifth Wisconsin. 

J. Tompkins, Lieutenant, Company A, Second Cavalry, United 
States Army. 

Respecting the facilities for mail delivery to the prisoners, I 
feel constrained to record a fact which was highly creditable to 
the sympathetic feelings of the Union officers, and correspond- 
ingly to the discredit of the Confederate authorities. At one 
period, some three hundred letters, addressed to the Union pris- 
oners, had accumulated at the post office, and were withheld from 
their owners nearly a fortnight. As soon as the Union officers 
were made aware of the fact, they inquired into the cause, and 
were informed that the post office authorities declined to deliver 
them until the postage was paid, and as they believed that but few 
of the privates had any pecuni&,ry means, they had determined to 
withhold them. Upon this explanation, the Union officers 
directed that the letters should be delivered forthwith, and they 
would pay the postage, which amounted to some $25. The Con- 
federate authorities invariably exacted seven cents per letter on 
delivery at the prison, notwithstanding that the five cents Con- 
federate postage had heen pre paid by the writers in an enclosure 
to Gen. Wool. 

While upon this subject I may state that the receipt of letters 
addressed to prisoners who had died from the effects of their 



TOO LATE. 65 

wounds, or from disease, was no uncommon occurrence. Such 
letters were usually delivered to the. acquaintances or comrades of 
the deceased, and they in return notified their friends of the facts. 

I remember upon one occasion having heard read a letter ad- 
dressed by a wife to her husband, a Philadelphian and an officer. 
He was one of the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluif and she had heard 
of his capture but not of his subsequent decease. In this letter 
she congratulated him upon his safety, urging upon him to keep 
up his spirits, and encouraging him in the hope of speedy resto- 
ration to home and friends. Alas! the returning mail conveyed 
to her the terrible tidings of his death. 

Upon the day of this occurrence the wife of Adjutant Harvey, 
of the lamented Colonel Baker's Regiment, arrived in Richmond 
from Philadelphia. She came to the officers' quarters with joyful 
anticipation, and inquired for her husband. He was not there. 
" Not there ? Strange ! " She called for Lieut. Hooper, whom 
she knew, and in a few moments he presented himself. They ex- 
changed but a single glance, and her countenance fell — the worst 
was known ! She had come there with a positive conviction that 
her husband was alive and well. He was known to have been 
unwounded in the battle, and was so reported by some who had 
made their escape. But here ended the mystery. The Adjutant 
had plunged into the" Potomac and was endeavoring to swim 
across, when he was pierced by a rebel bullet, and with scores of 
others, his lifeless body was carried away by the stream. Lieut. 
Hooper had been an eye-witness to the occurrence. No words 
can depict the anguish which this reluctant story drew from the 
broken-heai'ted wife. Yet she was but one among scores to whom 
the intelligence of the death of a beloved husband, a son, or a 
brother, was imparted, under circumstances perhaps as acutely 
distressing and insupportable. 

Being deprived of frequent and regular communication with 
friends in the Northern States, we were compelled to rely upon 
the Richmond press for all political intelligence. Papers were 
usually brought to the prison every morning, and were purchased 
by the officers of the guard and handed to the prisoners at a cost 
of five cents per copy. Sometimes the papers, like the rations, 
were stinted or cut off, for misbehavior. The Richmond Dispatch 
was most in request on account of its peculiar bitter and vindictive 
course towards the prisoners and the "Yankee Government." 
It thus at times afforded us considerable amusement. It was a 
somewhat remarkable circumstance that the rebel news])aper re- 
ports of every engagement, gave evidence that the brilliant and 
successful fighting was all on their own side. The Yankees inva- 
riably "ran in Bull Run style," and the stereotyped commentary 
was in effect that running was the only thing at which " Yankees' 
could not be beat." 



56 FIVE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. 

It was surprising to us to learn what frightful sacrifices of life 
were incurred by the Federals, and how astonishingly small was 
the mortuary record of the Confederates. It was seldom that any- 
body was "hurt" on the rebel side. We did hear of an unusu- 
ally severe loss having occurred to a small body of troops in West- 
ern Virginia, under Floyd, who were attacked by a largely supe- 
rior force of Yankees, numbering at least ten to one. Two or 
three of the rebels were actually killed, and some five or six others 
slightly wounded. But the Yankees were terribly cut up, and 
retreated with heavy loss. Although victorious, (continued the 
report,) Floyd had deemed it a "military necessity" to fall back; 
but the fact that he neglected to take some of his military stores, 
tents, etc., was not till sometime afterwards divulged, and it is not 
improbable that a large proportion of the Confederate army are 
still in blissful ignorance of that circumstance. 

I remember once reading in the Dispatch, a report of a " slight 
skirmish" at Drainsville. The Confederates, as usual, were at- 
tacked by overwhelming numbers, but nobly stood their ground, 
and caused an incalculable number of Yankees to "bite the dust." 
Then, as usual, the Confederates "fell back to abetter position," 
to await another attack. It is needless to say that such transpa- 
rent falsehoods could not impose upon the " Yankee" prisoners, 
but they were devoured with avidity and full credulity by the rebel 
soldiers ; or at least, by such of them as could read. 

The latter remark is in no sense ironical. Our guards were 
often composed of men who could not read, and of men who con- 
fessed to me that a large proportion of the Confederate soldiers 
were afilicted with the same intellectual infirmity. There was, 
therefore, no striking absurdity in the publication of such reports, 
which, however greatly exaggerated at first hands, evidently lost 
nothing by repetition among the pitiably ignorant and vulgar. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Confederate Shinplaster Currency had its origin in the 
necessity to which the business community was reduced for 
"making change." Union men and speculators had bought up all 
of the Federal coin, and it became indispensable that something 
of a representative value, in denominations suited to small busi- 
ness transactions, should be issued as a substitute. The rebel 
Congress was thus constrained to off'er a shinplaster system, and 
the way was virtually opened to individuals as well as corporations. 
As a consequence, Richmond was soon flooded with a coarsely 
executed and worthless scrip, in denominations varying from five 
cents to one dollar. The formula of these shinplasters, as nearly 



KEBEL CUREENCT. 67 

as I can recollect, was about as follows. 1 should, perhaps, apol- 
ogise for not having preserved so notable a curiosity, but the fact 
was that my private exchequer was so astonshingly low at the 
time of my departure from Richmond that, even were I so dispo- 
sed, I could not have negotiated the most "vulgar fraction." 
Here is a sample shinplaster : 



I FIVE CENTS. FIVE CENTS. | 

^ On demand I promise to pay the Bearer the j^- 
■V^ sum of Five Cents, in Bailed Hay or Groceries ; ^ 
!^ or in Specie, when presented in sums of Five ^ 
^ Dollars, six months after a Treaty of Peace with * 
^ the United States. ^ 

■« [Date.] (Signed.) John Doe. » 



This description of article was in unlimited supply, and when 
not positively known to be worthless, answered the desired pur- 
pose, in relieving the specie "rampage." 

The officers, mostly, were in occasional receipt of remittances 
from the North, in gold, but in making their purchases, were re- 
quired to accept of the inevitable shinplaster in change. 

I may appropriately state in this connection, that among the 
prisoners was a member of the Brooklyn 14th, and who was for- 
merly employed by the Union Bank Note Engraving Company. 
He was a superior engraver, and received frequent personal, ap- 
plications from Richmond bankers to furnish bank note engrav- 
ings, or plates. One individual offered him fifteen dollars per 
day for four days' time, the period requisite for accomplishing the 
work proposed, and also to secure his release at the expiration of 
that time. 

The engraver, however, declined the offer, and shortly after- 
wards made his escape from the prison. I did not learn whether - 
he was recaptured. 

Many offers of a similar character were made by manufacturers 
in Richmond to various mechanics in the prison, viz : shoemakers, 
carpenters, moulders. The most tempting prices were offered, 
including good board, clothes, etc., totether with a promise to 
send them North in a few weeks — but these applications, so far as 
I am informed, were invariably unsuccessful. Notwithstanding 
the privations to which they had been subjected, and the apparent 
indifference of the Federal Government, and the painful uncer- 
tainty which hung over the future, the prisoners were unwilling 
to purchase any personal advantage at the sacrfice of their loyalty 
and honor. 

The Presidential election in the "Confederacy" took place on 
the 7th of November. It was a day of remarkable quiet. No 



58 FIVE MONTHS IN KEBELCOM. 

popular demonstrations occurred — there were neither speeches 
nor hurrahs during the day, nor bonfires nor pyrotechnics at 
night. Mr. Davis was duly elected, and retained his place as 
Chief Magistrate of the "young and vigorous Confederacy." 

On the 10th of November Gen. Winder entered the prison, 
called the commissioned officers- together, and read the following 
order, as addressed to himself: 

C. S. A. "War Departmext, "i 
EicHMOKD, jSTov., 1861. / 

Sir : — You are hereby instructed to choose by lot, from among the 
prisoners of war of highest rank, one who is to be confined in a cell 
appropriated to convicted felons, and who is to be treated in all respects 
as if such convict, and to be held for execution in the same manner as 
may be adopted by the enemy, for the execution of the prisoner of war 
Smith, recently condemned to death in Philadelphia. / 

You will also select thirteen other prisoners of war, the highest in 
rankof those captured by our forces, to be confined in cells reserved for 
prisoners accused of infamous crimes, and shall treat them as such so 
long as the enemy shall continue to treat the like number of prisoners 
of war captured by them in New York, as pirates. As these measures 
are intended to repress the infamous attempt now made by the enemy 
to commit judicial inurder on the prisoners of war, you will execute 
them strictly, as the best mode calculated to prevent the commission of 
so heinous a crime. Your obedient servant, 

J. P. Bekjamin, Acting Sec'y of "War. 

To Brig. General John "Winder, Kichmond, Va. 

The reading of this order was listened to in silence, but with 
deep sensation. At its conclusion. Gen. Winder remarked that 
he regretted very much the unpleasant duty devolving upon him, 
but had no option in the matter. The names of sis Colonels 
were placed in a can, and Mr. Ely was required (much to his own 
reluctance) to draw from them. The first name drawn was that 
of Colonel Corcoran. 69th Regiment N. Y. S. M., who was the 
"hostage chosen to answer for Smith. Mr. Ely was very much 
affected when the name of his friend and messmate was drawn J)y 
his own hand. 

In choosing thirteen, from the highest rank, to be held to ans- 
wer for a like number of prisoners of war captured by the enemy 
at sea, there being only ten field officers, it was necessary to draw 
by lot three Captains. 

During the drawing, the most profound silence prevailed, and 
great anxiety was exhibited on the part of the officers whose 
names were in the can. When completed, the list stood. Colonels 
Corcoran, Lee, Cogswell, Wilcox, WoodruflF and Wood; Lieut. 
Colonels. Mowman and Nefi"; Majors Potter, Revere and Vodges; 
Captains Rockwood, Bowman and Kafi"er. 

These unfortunate men had greatly endeared themselves to their 
fellow prisoners, and the deepest sympathy was expressed for 



ClStlKG LOTS. 59 

them. Col. Corcoran had previously been removed. His rela- 
tions with Mr. Ely had been of the most intimate character, and 
the latter most keenly regretted his own involuntary share in the 
proceeding. It was a day of unusual gloom to those who were 
left behind, but there was a confident expression that the Federal 
Government would immediately take measures for the relief of 
those held as hostages. 

I find upon reference to my diary that the 15th of November 
was observed as a day of fasting and prayer in the " Confeder- 
acy." There were religious services in all of the Eichmond 
churches, but I doubt whether it was considered expedient to 
require any unusual "fast" among the soldiers. In respect of 
^^prei/ing," it had also been practiced to an undue extent upon 
the resources of all who were identified with the cause of the 
Union. 

On the 21st of November, twenty of&cers and one hundred 
and twenty-five privates were sent to Tuscaloosa ; and On the 26th 
three hundred and fifty additional privates, including George 
Rosenberg and Henry Blackman of Rochester, were despatched 
to the same place. These deductions left only about twenty-five 
prisoners upon the upper floors of Prison No. 1. 

Christmas was commemorated in the officers' quarters by a 
substantial banquet, at their own expense, and the best that could 
be procured. The guard upon that occasion got rather mellow 
from frequent and excessive libations, and in the evening he was 
readily induced to go out after liquor, and permit one of the 
officers to stand guard in his place. Some of the prisoners im- 
proved this opportunity to leave the prison and stroll about the 
city, and the day following they were placed in irons as a penalty. 
I had improved the occasion during the day, to slip by the guard, 
but after walking a short time abou.t the streets, perceived myself 
watched by Commissary Warner and thought proper to return 
without due loss of time. 

On the 20th of December, Mr. Faulkner called upon Mr. Ely, 
and soon after Gen. Winder entered with an order for Mr. Ely's 
release. During his conversation with the officers, Mr. Faulkner 
expressed his mortification at the general ill-treatment of the 
Union prisoners, and promised to exert himself in procuring a 
change for the better. He confessed that the rebel prisoners at 
Fort Lafayette and elsewhere had nothing to complain of in 
respect of fare or clothing. Mr. Ely was naturally overjoyed at 
his release, but remained in Richmond till the night of the 24th. 
He frequently visited the prison during the interval, and on the 
24th made an afi"ecting farewell speech to his old companions, in 
which he engaged to use his utmost efforts on reaching Washing- 
ton to secure their release. I believe that he has faithfully and 



60 FIVE MONTHS IJT BEBELDOM. 

diligently labored to that end since he returned to Washington, 
and bids fair to accomplish the desired result. 

About the 1st of January, the officer who called the roll 
selected a number of names, for the purpose, as we apprehended, 
of being sent South. It soon transpired, however, that the pris- 
oners whose names were thus selected were of two hundred and 
forty who were to be exchanged. My own name had been omit- 
ted from the list, but Lieuts. Parke and Booth kindly interested 
themselves in my behalf, and greatly to my satisfaction the 
"mistake" was rectified in time. Subsequently Lieut. Booth 
offered me the sum of $300 if I would permit him to answer to 
my name, and clandestinely go in my place. Lieut. Hancock 
said to me that he had been eight months in the Federal service, 
and had drawn no portion of his salary, and that if I would con- 
sent to his substitution, in the manner before suggested, he would 
assign to me his entire claim upon the Federal Government. It 
is needless to say that I declined these generous offers, and I seri- 
ously doubt whether any prisoner, officer or private, would have 
resigned his chances for an immediate release, for the most 
tempting recompense imaginable. 

At 5^ o'clock A. M. on the 3d of January the released prison- 
ers marched to the river landing, and embarked on the rebel 
steamboat Northampton, and proceeded down the James Kiver. 
At 4 P. M. we met the steamer George Washington, near New- 
port News, and amid the most enthusiastic shouts, cheers, and 
other demonstrations of rejoicing, were transferred to her decks, 
where for the first time since the memorable 21st of July we 
found ourselves beneath the folds of the Staes and Sikipes. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

[With the concluding chapter of this narrative it was thought 
proper to insert a few letters written subsequent to the release of 
prisoners, which occurred on the 3d of January, together with an 
account of the arrival of prisoners belonging in Rochester. The 
articles are severally taken from the Evening Express. — Ed.] 

AEKIVAL IN BALTIMORE. 

Baxtimoke, January 4th, 1862. 
Dear Express: — I hasten to inform you that I am free. I 
assure you that to-day is a happy one, not only to myself, but to 
some two hundred and fifty other unfortunates. You may imagine 
our joy when we received our release and were informed that we 
would be sent North immediately. Nearly six long, weary months 
have we spent iu prison, subjected to many insults from the mis- 
erable tyrants who had charge of us. No pen can describe the 
miserable life we have spent in that rebel city of Richmond. 



EELEASED. 61 

Thank God, we are at last here ; but there are hundreds of our 
noble suffering comrades still incarcerated within gloomy South- 
ern walls. I shall remain in Washington for a few days to plead 
for them. God grant that these poor fellows may soon be re- 
stored to the land of the free. 

We left Richmond Tuesday morning at six o'clock in the rebel 
steamer Northampton. At 4 o'clock P. M. the Federal steamer 
George Washington met us, and received us with cheers and 
stirring strains of music. It is impossible to describe the scene 
of joy manifested at that time. As soon as our boat came in 
sight the Yankee Band struck up "Home, sweet home." When 
this dear old tune reached our ears, and our eyes rested upon the 
good old flag, which we had not seen for more than five months, 
we could not restrain our feelings ; some danced, others sang, 
and such a scene of delight I never before witnessed. Many 
tears of joy were shed when we looked up to that noble old flag. 
For my own part, I felt like kissing it! TVe were kindly and 
cordially received by our own officers, and were soon on our way 
to Fortress Monroe, which place we reached at six o'clock the 
same evening. We were received with great rejoicing at every 
place we stopped, and were received by the citizens with unlim- 
ited hospitality. We were escorted to a large building which the 
fair ladies of Baltimore had elevated, and where we were fur- 
nished with a sumptuous repast. It is hardly necessary to say 
that we did ample justice to the collation, after five months of 
fasting. We expect to leave for Washington this afternoon. A 
large crowd of visitors have been in and about the building all 
day, and the boys have had a happy time since they arrived on 
Northern soil. The Union sentiment is very strong in this city, 
in fact the good people of Baltimore are all alive with enthusi- 
asm, and ready for the worst. It will be some weeks yet before 
any of the released prisoners are fit for duty. All are enervated 
by long confinement and feel the cold very severely. 

More anon. W. H. M. 

Baltimore, January 7th, 1862. 

Dear Express: — We are still detained in this city awaiting 
orders from Washington. The War Department has not yet 
decided what disposition to make of us. It is rumored that we 
are to be mustered out of service and turned over to the Gover- 
nors of our respective States. I hope there is no foundation for 
this rumor, as such action would place us in other regiments, 
which would be very unpleasant to many, and is inexpedient. 

I hope the Administration will continue to send prisoners for- 
ward, to be exchanged, until all of our poor, suffering volunteers 
are released. I am glad that there is so good a prospect of such 
a policy being carried out. There is a strong feeling in this city 



62 FIVE MONTHS IN REBELDOM. 

on the subject. The Confederate authorities will not fail to recip- 
rocate, as they are very anxious to get rid of Yankees, for they 
are a very expensive and troublesome burthen to them. The 
meat bill, alone, for the prisoners in Richmond amounts to over 
$9,000 a month. I wish I could have sent you some of their 
editorials on this subject. They had all they could do to get men 
enough to guard us. I will give you some interesting items in 
this respect when I return. 

It would be a good idea to get our poor fellows home, and 
form them into regiments by themselves, and give them the right 
of the line in the next great battle. If they would not make 
the rebels bite the dust, it would be because they could out-run 
them. The boys have several smaU accounts to settle with the 
Southern (bogus) Confederacy and a few deaths to avenge. It 
would have been better by far for our enemies to have sent us 
home as soon as we were able to leave the hospital. They were 
very kind to us there and we all felt like praising them for their 
attention. But this mode of treatment soon changed, and they 
went to the opposite extreme, and became as brutal as they had 
been kind. I was told by one of the officers that they did in- 
tend to heal our wounds, load us with obligations and then send 
us home to tell our Northern friends how noble and kind the 
Southerners were. But this policy was abandoned. No pen can 
describe the true condition of our brave soldiers confined in rebel 
prisons. Their sufferings have been, and are great. God be with 
them. I will give you a full account of our condition and treat- 
ment before many days. I am too happy, at present, to write. 
The idea of being free, and once more standing under the 
dear old flag, is enough to make us all rejoice, after having spent 
so many weary months in prison, and looking at the hybrid rag 
which they call their banner of freedom. I have a secesh flag 
with me, presented by the daughter of the rebel Major Lee. I 
feel a lasting, if not a tender regard for it, I assure you. I learn 
that the citizens of Philadelphia expect a visit from the prisoners 
and are making preparations to receive them. W. H. M. 

THE RECEPTION BY SLOCUM'S BRIGADE. 

Camp Franklin, Jan. 13, 1862. 
Friend B.: — On Saturday last the prisoners arrived from 
Richmond. For a day or two previous all was bustle in camp, 
making preparations for their reception. The streets were fes- 
tooned with evergreens, and wreaths containing the letter of each 
company in the center. A triumphal arch was erected on the 
extreme left of the street, between the officers' and companies' 
quarters. On the left of the arch, within a wreath, was the num- 
ber of the Regiment, (27,) and in the center the following: 



SECEPTION IN CAMP. 63 



WELCOME, COMEADES! 

YOTJR WOTINDS BLEED AFRESH IN OUR HEARTS. 



At three o'clock, Saturday afternoon, the whole Regiment 
turned out and, preceded by Scott's Band, and accompanied by 
General Slocum and staff, proceeded down the Alexandria Road 
about three-quarters of a mile, where they halted and formed in 
open order, facing inward. Gen. Slocum and staff, together with 
the Regimental officers, then advanced to receive the prisoners, 
and escort them through the ranks. The command of the prison- 
ers was given to your Richmond correspondent, Corporal Merrell, 
and when they started, a scene of excitement ensued Avhich baffles 
description. The cheering could be heard for miles. It did not 
end here, for it was taken up by the several Regiments encamped 
near us, and continued long after the arrival of our comrades in 
camp. Scott's Band played the "Bold Soger Boy," and the 
band of another Regiment struck up a piece entitled " Bully for 
You!" 

The men look as though they had seen "hard times in Old Vir- 
ginia," although some of them appear quite stout. But it is not 
healthy flesh. It is what physicians call "lazy bloat," induced by 
protracted confinement. Corporal Merrell. looks well, but is very 
pale. His left arm is nearly powerless. I understand that he has 
been offered a commission, and that he will accept it. If such be 
the case, he will be heartily welcomed as an officer of the 27th. 
He has proved himself a brave soldier, and is possessed, I think, 
of qualifications which should entitle him to a command. But he 
is willing to undergo the same suffering again, "for the sake of" 
(as he expressed hirnself to me) " the good old flag." 

Clague carries the ball he received in the left side. He says it 
does not trouble him any. He is undaunted by the fearful ordeal 
through which he has passed ; so far from it, indeed, that he had 
some hesitancy about accepting the thirty days' furlough. He 
says it is his intention to rejoin the regiment as soon as his fur- 
lough expires. 

Of the other prisoners I have not much knowledge. They 
were all highly gratified at the reception given them by their old 
companions-in-arms, who were equally rejoiced at the opportunity 
0^ once more beholding them alive and well. * *- '■'■ ^' 

DUNCAN B. BROWN. 

EETUKN OF KICHMOND PKISONERS— AN IMPEOMTU 
DEMONSTEATION. 

jjessrs. Merrell, Clague and Kavanaugh, late of Richmond, 
arrived in Rochester last evening, (January 17th.) A large 
crowd were in waiting at the Depot, on the arrival of the train 
from Elmira, and several fire companies were drawn up in line to 



64 FIYE MONTHS IN EEBELDOM. 

receive tliem. The appearance of the "prisoners," as they are 
still called, was greeted with resounding cheers, and after the 
enthusiasm of welcome had in some measure subsided, they were 
formally escorted to the residence of Corporal Merrell on New 
Main street — the procession greatly augmenting its number en 
route. 1 

On reaching their destination the prisoners entered the house, 
where many friends were in waiting ; but they were quickly 
brought out again by three rousing cheers from the crowd, on 
behalf of whom Mr. G. C. Pease delivered a brief and appropriate 
address of welcome to the soldiers, referring to the gallantry which 
had characterized their behavior at Bull Run, commending the 
heroic fortitude which they had manifested under protracted im- 
prisonment at Richmond, and, finally, congratulating them upon 
their restoration to home and friends. 

Corporal Merrell modestly acknowledged the compliment of a 
popular reception, disclaiming any personal merit, beyond that 
which should be accorded to every faithful soldier in the Union 
army, but testifying to the bravery of his comrades, and the Regi- 
ment to which they are attached, (the 27th.) He alluded feel- 
ingly to the sufferings they had experienced during their impris- 
onment, at the hands of their heartless and cruel captors, and 
hinted at the determination of the prisoners generally to rejoin 
the army, after a brief season of repose. 

At the conclusion of his remarks three cheers were given, and 
then " three cheers and a tiger." The company then fell in line, 
and escorted private John T. Clague to his residence on Clinton 
street, where brief speeches were again exchanged, and the com- 
pany returned to their engine house. 

The effect of a long imprisonment is quite visible in the pale 
faces of the prisoners, and the enervation resulting from bodily 
inaction. Private Kavanagh will leave to-day for Detroit, where 
his parents reside. 

The gallant Jotn Clague, who was ohituarized by his Sabbath 
School, and resolved under the "sacred soil" of Virginia with all 
due solemnity, exhibits the honorable scars of wounds from which 
he has not yet fully recovered, but is none the less anxious to 
resume his place in the ranks. 

Kelly, Sturmer, Jewett, Cornell, each and every one of the 
brave fellows released from Southern bondage, are not only wil- 
ling but fully determined, we are assured, to re-enter the Union 
army, not only to fight for the Union, but to avenge the wicked 
cruelties inflicted upon themselves and comrades. 

Corporal Merrell has a thirty days' furlough which he accepted 
in lieu of a discharge tendered him at Washington. He has not 
fully recovered from the effect of his wound, being still unable to 
use his left arm with freedom. 



WE PUBLISH 



KENYON'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR 



AND morh:y's arithmetic. 



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.25 
.75 

.SS 

.50 



List of Books Published by E. Darrow & Brother, 
65 Main St., Rochester, N. Y. 

, Price. 

Elements of English Grammar— by Wm. C. Kenynii. 
A.M., Pres. of Alfred University — 8th ed., revised, .CO 

Morey's I'raetical Arithmetic, SS 

Seientific A-'riculture; or tlie Elements of C'liemistry, 
Geology, Botany and Meteorology, applied to I'rac- 
ticiil Agriculture, with 45 Engravings— by M. M. 
Kodsers, M. D. 2d cd. enlarged; muslin, .75 

Physfcnl Education .fc Medical Management of Cliil- 
drcn— by M. M. Kodgcrs. M. D., with engravings, . 

Differences between Old and New School Presbyteri- 
ans— by Uev. Lewis Checseinan, D. D., 

The Bridal Keepsake— by Mrs. Coleman ; a neat ruin 
iature, steel ens., gilt edge, 

Darrow's Workman's Pocket Time Book— Caii. 8vo., 
various styles,..- - 

Sab. School Secy's Register, & Librarian s do.; each 

" Teacher's Class 15uok, 12 

Fireside Gift, or Lectures for the Fireside, founded 
on the Ten Commandments— by Dr. W. A. Aleolt, .75 

Arithmetical Chart, in Two Numbers- by J. Homer 
French; for the use of Schools & Academies, each 
30 by 54 inches in size; neatly mounted and var- 
nished, with cloth backs. For the set, 4.00 

Wtiodworth's Cabinet of Curious Tilings: embcllisli- 
ed with 100 engravings— by Francis C. Woodworth, 1.25 

Tupper's Proverbial Philosophy »t Thousand Lines, .75 

Elwood's Grain Tables: giving the Price of all kinds 
of Grain, in dollars and cents 1.25 

Christian Gift-by Rev. F. De W. Ward, . .... .25 

Manual for the Medical Practitioner— by Gerliardua 
Ariuk M. D.; 8vo., muslin, LOO 

Church Music: Presbyterian Hymn and Tune Book, .50 

Daily Walk with God— an Essay by Rev. S. Porter, .25 

Summer Vacation Abroad— by Ri-v. F. De W.Ward, .75 
ouiimii.1 ^^ _^ ^.|^ j^lj 

Erna the Forest Princess— by Gustiiv Nieritz; ISmo. .83 

I Slavery Unmasked— by Rev. Philo Tower, ... l.(M) 

1 " Miniilerial Legacy,-'-by Mrs- IV^-'^'V ^ ^'f^ ""="■• IZ 

' ^L1rtin'a Interest and Average lables, large 4to., 2.00 

Doylo's Ready Recko ner 25 

Darrow's Diaries; all styles— yearly 

We Manufacture Coknei.l's Lmprovich Globes. 



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OSBUHN HOUSE BLOCK, 

MATN.STREET, ROCHESTER, N.Y. 



>:(^ 



ROCHESTER CALORIC PRINTING OFFICE.* 
BENTON & ANDREWS, 

p00k anh ^eb prititrrs, 

PUBLISHERS OF LAW BLANKS, 

Over 29 Buffalo Street, - - Rochester, N. Y. 
*-»-• 

F ' Having taken the second story of the building occupied bv us, and 
refitted our office, adding to our facilities for Plain and Ornamental 
Printing, we feel confident of giving good satisfaction to all who favor 
us with their patronage. Our facilities for printing 

MMPELlTi, OECTLMS, BI!LL»lIlBi, 

Letter-Heads, Cards, Etc., are Unsurpassed. 

We have recently made arrangements with F. H. Marshall, the 

well-known 

To remove his Bindery into the building with us, by which our facil- 
ities for getting up 

RECORD BOOKS, FOR COUNTY OFFICERS, 

C//£l^/{ BOOKS, DRAFT BOOKS, 
bi^^^hstk: sookis ipopi ^.i^iiNrisis, etc., 

are greatly increased. 

By attention to business, we intend to deserve a share of patronaee. 
_ We rely upon the superiority of our work, instead of political or"-aH- 
izations, for the favor of the jniblic. 

Eemember the place, 

No. 29 BUFFALO STREET, 

Nearly opposite the Arcade. 
James W. Benton, ■) ,™. _ ^ 

6 



OeUMPAUGH'S SHIRT & OOLLAE MANUFACTORY, 

No. 10 Main Street Bridge, Ecchester, N. Y. 

Directions for self-measurement sent by- 
mail and so easy that one can measure him- 
self, and I can insure a perfect fit. Send for 
directions and get some good Shirts. 

F. Y. §. French Yoke Shirts are only 
made at Ocumpaugh's Furnishing Store. 

I^MEJi'S FURNISnmG GOODS! 

of all kinds. You can always rely on getting 
Fashionable and durable goods and in ad- 
vance of other Houses, as my arrangements 
arc such with Importers that all the Novelties 
and'necessaries of Men'sISTewGoodscan be had 
as soon as brought out in New York or Boston. 

E. OCUMPAUGH, 10 Main St. Bridge, Eochester. 




P^o. 1^ IVtEtin Street ( Bridge ). 



DEAIiEK IN 



f 

EMBROIDERIES, LACES, 

OUR ASSORTMENT OF 






Szc. 



PATTERN HATS, ^ 

LADIES' STAYS AND HOOP SKIRTS, 

FOR STYLE, MAKE AND PEICES. 

are particularly worthy the attention of Milliners and dealers in general. 



B. O^BI^^IIiIl^r, Ag't, 

Mamifactnrer and Wholesale, and Retail Dealer in all kinds of 

Coaf ectioser jj I'raits^ Sf iJLtSj 

OYSTERS, )eLLIES, ScO., 

i¥o. 11 MaiM Street JSridgc, Si^ocBn ester, TV. ¥. 
A large supply of Fancy Candi-es, Gum Drops, &c., cimstantly on hand. 

Parties, Pic-Nics and Fairs supplied. Pyramids, Jellies, Pastry, 
Plain and Ornamented Cakes, Bonbons and every article in the Con- 
fectionery line at the lowest prices. 

jg^^The Ladies' Ice Cream Saloon connected with this Establishment 
is the largest t^pd best in the city. 



car: 
FLOOR 



ITINGS, 




". Al§o, Maunfactnrei's o* iill SsiKds ©f 



Iflatlwssfis, iiUoius mil ^^iirtim '§Hh. 

^OUR STOCK IS 

The Mosl Exlensive to be foood io ^ Ooe House 

IN THE STATE, 

AND AT UNIFOEM LOW PEICES ! 
Carpet Ware Rooms, 35 State Street, 

February 20, 1862. &40¥#E & ROCERS. 




FURNITURE-CHEAPER THAN EVER!! 

GREATEST BARGAms'sVER O FFERED II THIS MARKET. 

Having just received a lare;e and beau- 
tiful assortment of "WILLOW WARE, 
of every description, I now offer it at low 
prices, to suit the times. I would also re- 
mind the public, that I have on hand the 
finest and best assortment of 

CABINET FUBI^ITUHE 

ever offered in this market, of the most 
approved styles and patterns, from the 
richest Brocatel to the commonest Kitch- 
en article. And also, the most approved 

styles of 

, ENAMELED CHAMBEE SETS, 

% Ornamented in French colors, by the best 
S'^artists in the State. 

_ Also, MATTRESSES of every descrip- 
.^ tioii ; lotjether with any article" that can 

be found in any first-class Furniture Warehouse. 

The undersigned will also guarantee not to be undersold by anv 
house in the State. 

B@^ Be sure and give mo a call, at the Old Stand, 73 State Street 
Bochcster, N. Y.-"^ J. E. HAYDOjX, ' 




""1 



14 State Street, G-ould's Building, E/Ochester. 



Mr. G W. Squiers, a Dagiierreotypist and Photographer of sixteen 
years' experience, formerly of New York, and who, during the hist 
seven years has been employed as principal operator in several of the 
most ])rominent Picture Galleries in llochester, would respectfully 
inform his friends and the public generally that he has recently pur- 
chased 

THE WELL-KNOWN WHITNEY ROOMS, 
Which are Second to no otSier in tliis Section oT tlie Country. 

PHOTOaKAPHS, 

O^" .A.3vrY X)ESII?.EI3 SIZE, 

In Oil or Water Colors, 

Particular attention will also be given to 
TO. ANY DESIRED SIZE, 

EITHER UPON PAPER OR CANVASS, 

And Coloring the same, 

At Prices tliat will Defy Cortipetitioii! 

Mr. SquikPvS has the latest improved apparatus, and all desired facil- 
ities for the successful prosecution of the business. 

Also, has for sale, at greatly reduced prices, a large assortment of 

GILT AND ROSEWOOD FRAMES, 

OJP ZDIIFJPElE-EIsrT SIZES. 

We have examined Mr. Squiers' specimens, and for beaut.y of finish and 
Sife-like appearance think they cannot be equaled in this city 

AD.iMS & DABN"EY, Publishers. 

Jlemember the Jjocation, No. 14 G-ould's Block, 

C. W. SQUIERS. 



E. S. ETTENHEIMER & Co., 

IMPORTERS AND DEALERS IIST 




53 BUFFALO ST., (OPPOSITE EAGLE HOTEL,) 
si.c3o:e3::ei^t':e5si.^ :^= 3r-, 

Keep a full supply constantly on hand, sell lower and are as reliable as 
any House in "Western Xew York. J^^^Trj^ them. 

A LIVE NEWSPAPER. 

Publication Office, Corner of Exchange Place and Mill Street. 

two' ib^i"£"i"' isiDZTioisrs, 

Coniaini?iff all the latest Wen- Neivs, Telegraphic Reports, ,j-c., up to the 
hours of puhlication, and a greater variety of 

T-HA-N" A.iS"Y 0XI-I&:R, .T O U fC !S" A. L, IIST THE JNTORTH. 

CORPORAL WM. H. MERRELL 

Was a Correspondent of the Express from the camp; and while a 
prisoner in Richmond, was the only regular Richmond correspondent 
of any Northern Journal. His interesting and thrilling Narrative, 

was originally published in its columns. 

The Express has able correspondents on the Burnside and Port 
Royal Expeditions, on Gen. Butler's Expedition in the Gulf of Mexico, 
in Kentucky and Kansas, besides a host of correspondents in the Grand 
Armj' of the Potomac. The Express is, emphatically, 

"the SOLDIERS' PAPER," 

And the paper for their friends at home, who wish to find late and reli- 
able news from the Seat of War. 

% mtt^ mxwm ^i till m\)xm \t win ^mimii 

TERMS : — Daily, by mail, Four Dollars per Year, or Three Months 

for One Dollar. 
Weekly, One Dollar per year, invariably in advance. 

Address Q. D. TRACY & Co., 

Rochester, N. Y. 
Book and .Job Printing of all kinds is executed with neatness and 
despatch, under the superintendence of one of the most accomplished 
Foremen in the United States. Many of the handsomest Pamphlets 
and Jobs executed in this vicinity during the past year bear the Ex- 
press imprint. Orders for Bills, Cards, Circulars, or anything in this 
line are requested from our friends and the public generally. 



mi 



"S7VI3:OXiES-A-IjE J^l^lD K,ET-A.IIj. 



To those visiting our city to purchase 

m 



CLOTHS, CLOAKS, WOOLEN GOODS, 



AND YANKEE NOTIONS, 

Wholesale or Ketail, we -would advise a call and inspection at 

BEIR & STERN'S, 



10 STATE STREET, 



ROCHESTER, N. Y. 



ii« 



S^- :E* TJ 3F2. O lE-X .^^ ^ IS 

lUR GROCERIES 

E. E. CHAMBERLIN'S, 

where you can find 

§£^t §rnn mill ^larli '^m%, 

FOR THE PRICE. ^ 

CWMS, FRUITS, 8c0. 

And all Goods usually found in a 1^''irst-Class Grocery House, 

And at Prices as Low as the Lowest! 

C-A-LXj ^ft^ISriD BE 002Sr"VIlSrCEID. 

Goods delivered to the R. K. Stations, FllEE OF CHARGE, and all 
GOODS WARRANTED AS REPRESENTED. 

E. E. CHAMBEKI.IIV, 

3 Baker's Block. Buffalo Street, 

Opposite Rochester City Savings Bank, ROCHESTER. N. Y. 

N. B.-CASH PAID FOR COUNTRY PRODUCE. 




lii Ml 

CuEEs Cataerh, 

AND THUS 

•Prevents Consumption. 

THE 

MAGICAL EFFECT 

OF A SINGLE PACKAGE 

mil umn im 

That it possesses intrinsic merits for all 
Catarrhal Affections of the 

Hleade, Threat actd Qk^t, 

Put up exclusively by 

L. D. FLEMING & CO., 

Price, $1. Rochester, iV. Y. 




1111 IM 



FOR ALL 

Diseases Peculiar to Females, 

STANDS ITNEIVALLED. 

IT CURES 

Fluor Albus, Bearing Down, all 

Suppressions, Ulcerations, 

Floodings, Schirrus, 

Change of Life Troubles, Etc. 

Put up exclusirely by 

L. D. FLEMING & CO., 

Prick, $1. Rochester, iV. Y. 



The above is a Fuc-simile of Packages, either of which is sufficient for about a month's treat- 
ment, and ^vill be sent by mail for $1 and 12 red stamps. Circulars sent free of charge to all 
■who order them. Address, L. D. FLEMING, M. D., Rochester, if. Y. 



SHERWOOD'S MAGNETIC REMEDIES, in a neoatitb 

STATE, OR Compound Chloride of Gold, for ' 

CHRONIC PISEASES, ^««ffs».. 1 





Of the Cla 

Thwe lAB^ctlaed remediei sre e specific for those chronic diseas** of the 
uresm Mid limbs; which are INVARIABLY DISTINGUISHED by PAIN, 
(more it leas Bevere, in proportion to the intensity of the disease,) produced 
by pressure on the ganglions of the spinal tierTcs, in the inter-Tcrtebral spacea 
along each side of the spioe — no matter what name may hoTB been given to 
the malady by physicians, nosologiela, or other medical writers. 

These established remedies are of my own manofacture and alwaya accom- 
panied by my new medical treatise, entitled "The Motive Power of the Hnmaa IQnPllla in thft 
by.tem, with the Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Diseases ;■■ and Iha •'°" ■' ij 
boxes arelabeVed wi'th the devices ill pages 30. Cg 8, and la, fig. 14, reprc- _ a^ .. 

•enting the magnetlsetl disc of iron or alcel, and of the middle section of a rtllCE O Dollars. 
tQbercle, to protect myself and tbu public against the frauds of impostors. 

H. II. SHERWOOD, M.D. 
Angnstll, 1843. 315 Broadway, N. Y. 

"Volkman and Bidder have found by the aid of the microscope that the 
sympathetic nerves in reality originate in the ganglia ; but not only the ganglia 
of the sympauielic tcrd, but those also on the POSTERIOR BR.ANCHES OF 
THE SPINAL NERVES."— London Lancet, June at, IHS. A fact I discover- 
ed, many years since, by the Magnetic Symptoms in tribercular disease. H. H.S. 

P. S. These remedies are forwaided ty express, or by Mall, to any Post Offlta 
u: the Union, free of postage. 

After a trial of over forty years, these Remedies have proved themselves superior to all other 
known means of cure, for Tuberculous Consumption, Liver Co-mplaints, and indeed the whole 
range of Tuberculous Di.ieases, for whi'ch they stand Alone and Unrivalled. They have long 
been used with great st: • ■ s> by many eminent Physicians in a private way. The above is a 
fac-simile of a pac^ac^e which will last a patient about 5 months for treatment. For Circulars, 
Hemediee, or any particulars, address, L. B. FLEMING, M. D., Rochester, N. Y. 

(Successor to the late Dr. H. H. Sherwood.) 




ESTABLISHMENT MITCHELL. 



Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in 

MITCHELL'S GENUINE 




FLAVORING- EXTRACTS, &c. 

69 State Street, - - Rocliester, IV. If. 



MITCHELL'S GOODS 

k k Best aod Most Eeliable in the Wiifid, 

BUY NONE BUT THE GENUINE. 

Owing to the universally acknowledged superiority of all Goods 

issued by this House, many worthless imitations and 

counterfeits are to be found in the market. 

All Articles Emanating from this Establishment are 

FRJEPAI4!EI> II Y THE INVWl^TOU, 

T). MITCH ELL, 

EACH PACKAGE BEARING HIS WRITTEN SIGNATURE. 

AND THEY, ONLY, ARE GENUINE. 

J5@°" Orders to this House will be promptly attended to. "^g 




Wb keep constantly on hand an elegant assortment of 

WEDDING AND VISITING CARDS, AND ENVELOPES, 

Which will be engraved and stamped to order, in the latest styles, with 
your own initials. Also, a choice stock of 

PHOTOGRAPH mm, ELEGANTL! eOUND, 

All sizes and finest qualities, for Ladies and Gents. 



Best quality and greatest variety. 

BOOKS, 

Miscellaneous, Keligious, Classical and Theological. 

SCHOOL BOOKS, 

Of every description. 

BACKGAMMON BOARDS, 

All sizes add styles ; also, Chess and Chequer men. 

^AMILI Am FiLHT ilELIS, 

A large and elegant assortment. 
ALSO, THE DEPOSITORY OF THE 

American Snnday School Union, 

IS AT 40 BUFFAIiO STREET, ROCHESTER, N. Y. 

"Where may be found all kinds of Sunday School Books, Papers, 
Cards, Hymns, Mrps, Class Books, &c. &c., at New York and Phila- 
delphia prices, thus saving postage or freight to the purchaser. 

nv^TJSIO BOOKIS, .A^TjH, KillsriDS, 

Including the Diapason, Jubilee, Asaph, Glive Branch, Xew Lute of 
Zion, &c. &c. 

MAGAZINES AND PERIODICALS. 

We pledge ourselves to sell any of our goods as low as they can be 
bought at any establishment west of New York. 

40 Burfalo Street. 



1^ THE BEST, THE CHEAPEST, AND MOST POPULAR, .m 

THE PAPER FOR THE TIMES! 



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X 



M CORE'S RURAL NEW-YORKER, widely known 
as the most Valuable and Popular Journal in its Sphere — as the Best 
AND Cheapest combined Agricultural, Horticultural, Literary anil 

Filniily Newspaper oa the Continent — entered upon its Thirteen tli Year 
and Volume in January, 1862. It has long surpassed all rivals in Variety 
and Usefulness of'Contents, and of late is, more than ever before, 

THE FAVORITE HOME WEEKLY! 

This is provci) by its immense and rapidly-increasing circulation through- 
out tlio Free States, Canadas, Ac, and among all intelligent classes in both 
Town and Country. In addition to a great amount of Practical, Instructive 
and Entertaining Reading upon Agriculture, Horticulture. Domestic Jilconomy, 
Science, Art, Education, ifec., with a variety of Engravings, Music, Tales, 
Poctri/, (fee, etc., it contains a complete and carefully-prepared 

WEEKLY SUMMAKY OF THE LATEST WAK NEWS, 

So that every reader may be fully advised of the Events of the War for the 
Union. The Rural ardently labors for the preservation and perpetuity of 
the American Union, as the great means of securing the permanent pros- 
perity of the People and Country. Though standing aloof from party poli- 
ties, it is always and firmly for The Union, the Constitution, and the Laws. 
Hence it is, and w^iU continue to be, 

PATRIOTIC, PROGRESSIVE AND TIMELY. 

The earnest advocate of Right and contemner of Wrong, its Practical 
Departments are instructive and valuable, and its Literary and News jjagcs 
Interesting and Entertaining, while the Moral Tone of the whole paper is 
unexceptionable — the constant aim being to promote the Pccuniaiy Interest, 
Moral and IntcHcclual Culture, and consequent Home Welfare of the tens of 
thousands of Families visited. It is, in fact, the 

BEST RURAL AND FAMILY N Em PAPER 

In America, as both Press and People attest. Its Editors, with Hundreds of 
Contributors and Correspondents, labor to render The Rural an able and 
reliable exponent of Industry, Skill, Progress, Improvement, and whatever 
tends to Elevate the Masses and Benefit the Country — a paper eminently 
adapted to the Wants of the People and Times. Its Market Bcports are 
invaluable — and not given in a slovz monthly, but in a Large and Beau- 
tiful Weekly 1 



STYLE, FORM, TERMS, &c. 

Volume XIII, for 1862, will maintain the enviable reputation the Rural 
New-Yorker has acquired for both Contents and Appearance. It will be 
published in Superior Stvle — with jVcw Type, good white Paper, and many 
fine Illustrations. Its form will continue the s:ime as now — Double Quarto — 
with an Index, Title Page, &c., at the close of year, complete for binding. 

TER.IIS, Always iu Advance— $2 a year; 3 copies for $5; 6 for $10; 
10 for $15 ; 15 for $21 ; 20 for $26 — with a free copy for every club of six or 
more. ^!^*Now is the Time to Subscribe and form Clubs. Efficient Local 
Agents wanted in all places reached by, the United States and Canada mails, 
to whom liberal inducements are offered — Good Pay for Doing Good. Speci- 
men Numbers, Show-Bills, <te., sent free to all disposed to' benefit their 
neighbors and community by introducing the paper to more general notice 
and support. Address D. D. T. MOORE, Rochester, N. Y. 



K^ "PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT." ,^3 



